Lidl Ireland to reduce plastic packaging by 20% in five years | Progresiv

Lidl Ireland has announced new targets for plastic reduction in its own-brand packaging, as part of wider sustainability efforts.

By 2022, the discount retailer aims to reduce plastic packaging volumes by 20%, and by 2025 its goal is for 100% of private-label packaging to be widely recyclable, reusable or renewable, and for 50% of material used in private-label packaging to come from recycled materials.

Lidl has also announced today that is plans to eradicate microbeads from its cosmetic and household products.

J.P. Scally, managing director of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said that the retailer has set some "ambitious targets" for the reduction of plastic 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," he added.

"We have listened to the feedback from our customers who are requesting more recyclable packaging and less plastic."

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Lidl is also increasing its range of loose fruits and vegetables, as a way to cut down on packaging and reduce food waste, by allowing customers to only buy as much fresh produce as they need.

In the coming weeks, the discounter is introducing 11 new loose options to stores across the country, bringing its overall loose lines to approximately 25% of its fresh produce range.

The company says that it will continue to trial the removal and adaption of packaging, and examine the impact this has on food waste.

Lidl is currently the fourth largest retailer in Ireland, according to the latest market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel, however, it is also one of the fastest-growing grocers, seeing sales increase by 4.6% in the most recent trading period.

Earlier this week, Lidl was named as the top retailer in Ireland for corporate social responsibility in the latest CSR study from RepTrak. The company came fifth overall, behind Bord Bia, Kerry Group, Google, and An Post. (www.esmmagazine.com)