Discount retailer Lidl Ireland has announced that it will reduce plastic packaging volumes by 20% by 2022.
The retailer said that by 2025 it aims to make 100% of its private label packaging widely recyclable, reusable, refillable or renewable, as well as sourcing half of the material in its private label packaging from recyclables.
It has also announced that it will eradicate microbeads from its cosmetic and household products, ahead of the Government's planned ban on the tiny plastic balls found in soaps, shower gels and facial scrubs, due by the end of 2018.
The discounter's announcement came after it received the ‘Green Retailer Award’ at this year’s annual Green Awards.
Circular Ambitions
In order to promote food and plastic waste reduction, Lidl aims to change specifications, substitute materials and develop markets thus effecting a more progressive circular programme.
The retailer will introduce a number of measures as a direct response to consumer demand for more loose fruit and veg.
It will trial 11 additional loose options,which will bring its overall loose lines to approximately 25% of the range, according to the retailer.
Lidl said it will also continue to trial the removal and adaptation of packaging and will monitor any impact this has on food waste.
“We have looked at plastic packaging in the context of our wider sustainability commitments and strongly believe that our circular approach will deliver a viable long-term solution without compromising on our ability to deliver exceptional value to customers,” said J.P. Scally, managing director, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland.
“We have listened to the feedback from our customers who are requesting more recyclable packaging and less plastic,” Scally added.
© 2018 - Checkout Magazine by Kevin Duggan
