LIDL TO HELP CONSUMERS GO GREENER WITH NEW ECO-SCORE TRIAL IN SCOTLAND

• Lidl is set to roll out its Eco-Score trial across Scottish stores this September
• Ground-breaking traffic light labelling system will help shoppers understand the sustainability credentials of food and drink products

24th August 2021: Lidl GB has announced plans to roll out a pioneering traffic light labelling system across key categories for sustainability across its 105 Scottish stores this October. 

As one of the UK’s first retailers to launch a trial, Lidl will apply Eco-Score labelling to over 50 of its own-label products including teas, coffees and hot chocolate and supporting this with wider communication in its stores. 

Eco-Score uses open-source data to independently grade products on their sustainability credentials and assigns a colour code ranging from green ‘A’ (low impact) to red ‘E’ (high impact). The new labelling system will give shoppers a better understanding of the environmental consequences, at a glance.

To grade a product, Eco-Score independently assesses various factors including production methods, impact on biodiversity, packaging and carbon footprint. Products also receive better scores where they are certified to third party schemes such as Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance and Lidl plans to use the scheme to promote its commitment to sourcing 100% of its key raw materials, such as tea, coffee and cocoa from certified sustainable sources.

Commenting on the initiative, Amali Bunter, Head of Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Trade at Lidl, said: “Rolling out the EcoScore trial in Scotland is a huge milestone for Lidl, one we’re extremely proud of.

“We know that shoppers want more support in understanding the environmental impact of the products they buy day-to-day and Eco-Score will do just that. 

“The trial will help customers in our 105 Scottish stores road test the new traffic light system and ultimately make greener shopping choices in the process.”

Over the course of the trial, Lidl will take feedback from its customers on the new labelling system before deciding how to progress with the scheme. In addition, Lidl will share the findings from this pilot to help shape an approach that works for customers and the industry in the long term.

The Eco-Score project comes on the back of the retailer deploying a series of pioneering sustainability initiatives including the installation of Deposit Return Scheme facilities across its Scotland stores this year. 

ENDS

Notes to Editors 

For more information please contact: lidl@getlux.co.uk 

About Lidl GB

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl GB has experienced continuous growth and today has over 25,000 employees, over 860 stores and 13 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

The Lidl retail company, as part of the Schwarz retail group headquartered in Neckarsulm, is one of the leading companies in the food retail industry in Germany and Europe. Lidl is represented in 32 countries around the world and currently operates around 11,550 stores and more than 200 logistics centers and warehouses in 29 countries worldwide.

The supermarket takes pride in providing its customers with the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices throughout Great Britain, from Kirkwall to the Isle of Wight. Social responsibility and sustainability are at the core of the company's daily operations, with the company placing a strong emphasis on its responsibility for people, society, and the environment. Lidl GB is passionate about working with British producers and sources two thirds of its products from British suppliers.

The Schwarz Group, which operates worldwide as a retail group, generated a turnover of €125.3 billion in the financial year 2020.

For more information about Lidl GB visit https://corporate.lidl.co.uk/