TEA-RIFFIC: LIDL GB BREWS UP BIG CHANGE TO OWN LABEL TEA BAGS

• Lidl GB own-label tea bags set to become fully plant-based and compostable, meaning customers can dispose of them in food or green waste bins
• The discounter estimates the move will help stop up to 800 million tea bags from ending up in traditional waste bins, and subsequently, landfill
• Its latest update comes after announcing the switch to clear caps on milk bottles

07 August 2023: Lidl GB has revealed that all its own-brand tea bags are set to become fully compostable, helping tea enthusiasts across the country make more sustainable shopping choices.

The move means customers will be able to enjoy their favourite cuppa knowing that they can dispose of the tea bags in food or green waste bins. The transition to fully compostable tea bags is expected to divert up to 800 million per year from traditional waste bins, and subsequently, landfill.

The material - a plant-based plastic, polylactic acid (PLA) - not only ensures the composability of the tea bags but also maintains the exceptional quality and flavour that Lidl customers expect. From its Deluxe Fairtrade Assam Tea (£1.09) to its Knightsbridge Gold Blend Tea (£1.19) or Knightsbridge Red Label Tea (£2.39) – the change will be made across all of Lidl GB’s own-brand tea range.

In line with its wider commitment to improving the recyclability of its products, the move follows a recent announcement from the discounter to transition its milk range to clear caps. These combined efforts mean that shoppers can savour every cup of tea knowing they’re helping to reduce the amount of single-use plastic going to landfill.

Shyam Unarket, Head of Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Trade at Lidl GB, commented: “Those buying tea bags from Lidl are supporting our efforts to reduce single-use plastic going to landfill. We understand that even a few small changes to our products can benefit our customers, while helping us improve our impact on the planet – one cup at a time.”

Lidl’s new compostable tea bags will land in store over the coming months, while existing stock gradually sells through. Today’s announcement comes as part of Lidl’s ongoing efforts to reduce its own-label plastic packaging by 40% by the end of 2025.

Other recent initiatives include becoming the first UK supermarket to incorporate Prevented Ocean Plastic™ into its water bottles and announcing plans to introduce new vacuum-packed, recyclable packaging across its beef mince range, resulting in a plastic reduction of almost two thirds (63%).

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 around 376,000 employees globally, currently operates approximately 12,200 stores and more than 220 logistics centers and warehouses 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 €154.1 billion in the financial year 2022.

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