LIDL ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGE TO BEEF MINCE PACKAGING

• Discounter set to introduce recyclable vacuum-packed packaging across its beef mince
• New packaging will result in a reduction of almost two thirds (63%) of plastic, with the smaller packs saving space, and taking up to 350 delivery trucks off the road per year
• Households will collectively save over 250 tonnes of plastic a year through new packaging
• The move will double the shelf life keeping meat fresher for longer, whilst it’s estimated that this will half the amount of beef mince food waste in store
• Change forms part of Lidl GB’s commitment to tackling plastic waste and reducing its own-label plastic packaging by 40% by 2025

Lidl GB has revealed plans to introduce new vacuum-packed, recyclable packaging across its beef mince range, resulting in a plastic reduction of almost two thirds (63%). The smaller packs provide a valuable space saving, which will also result in up to 350 delivery trucks being taken off the road per year.

Customers across the country will be guaranteed the same amount of high-quality 100% British beef mince, whilst collectively saving over 250 tonnes of plastic a year through the new packaging. With the new packaging providing around double the current shelf life, it’s also estimated that it will half the amount of beef mince food waste in store.

Alongside the positive impact on the environment, the change - which will be introduced at the beginning of next year - also comes with significant additional benefits for shoppers, including:

• Double the shelf life, from eight to around 16 days, staying fresher for longer for customers to use
• Easy peel film, so that customers don’t have to touch the raw meat
• Smaller footprint pack, taking up less storage space in the fridge or freezer

Shyam Unarket, Lidl GB’s Head of Responsible Sourcing & Ethical Trade, said: “Plastic reduction is a huge priority for us, and this one change will reduce the amount of plastic in each pack by a whopping two thirds, culminating in the elimination of over 250 tonnes of plastic from packaging a year. However, we also recognise the important role that plastic plays in our daily lives. That’s why it’s hugely important that our plastic reduction strategy is centred around a progressive circular programme. By ensuring that any new packaging is recyclable, we’ll be able to help prevent plastic pollution in our environment. 

 “When the new packaging arrives in store early next year, we know that the huge benefits both from a sustainability and practical perspective, will be welcomed by our customers.” 

This latest change forms part of Lidl GB’s commitment to tackling the important issue of plastic waste, as it looks to drive improvements across its product range through plastic reduction, recyclability and circularity.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Lidl GB

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl GB has experienced continuous growth and today has over 31,000 employees, over 960 stores and 13 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

As part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl is one of Europe’s leading organisations in the food retail industry. The supermarket, which has more than 360,000 employees globally, currently operates approximately 12,000 stores and more than 200 warehouses and distribution centres in 31 countries.

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 €133.6 billion in the financial year 2021.

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