We are acutely aware of the important role that packaging plays protecting produce, keeping it safe and minimising food waste. Equally, we have long been committed to tackling the important issue of plastic waste, and the detrimental impact that this is having on the environment.

Ensuring that we can tackle both food and plastic waste in tandem, we have launched a new packaging and plastic waste strategy, called ‘Circular Motion’.

Our approach is simple but challenging; we want to shift to a system which captures and retains the valuable resources in our packaging. And based around five streams:

• REDUCING & RECYCLING: We’ve taken steps to eliminate unnecessary plastic and  support a circular economy by ensuring that packaging is designed to be used, re-used, collected and then recycled, see our actions here. We have also recently introduced our programme to prevent ocean plastics.
• REUSABILITY: Move to new packaging systems leveraging refilling and reusing, this will start with exploring instore options to help customers.
• ENGAGING CUSTOMERS: Helping individuals to make the right choices can start with simple, clear and consistent information on packaging supported by other media.
• COLLABORATION: Whilst taking urgent steps with our own plastic packaging in the UK, we are also working with a range of partners to tackle the main sources of marine plastic pollution including the Ghost Gear Initiative and Project STOP.

We report our plastic footprint on an annual basis and provide a breakdown of our performance across our product categories, check out the data here.

Lidl GB is part of REset Plastic, the plastics strategy of the Schwarz Group. This holistic approach compromises five action areas: from avoidance and design to recycling and removal; up to innovation and education. In doing so we reduce the use of plastic and close the loop.

For more information visit www.reset-plastic.com.