REset Plastic

Plastic fulfils important functions in grocery retailing: It is sturdy, lightweight and can be used in many ways. In particular, plastic protects food during transport and allows us to guarantee quality, shelf-life and freshness for our customers. However, because more and more plastic is produced and too little recycled, plastic trash is a growing problem for humans, animals and the environment.

As an international food retailer, we are aware of our responsibility. For this reason, we have committed ourselves to reducing plastic consumption by 2025 by 20 percent, making 100 percent of private label packaging maximally recyclable, and using an average of 20 percent recycled material in private label packaging made of plastic.

These measures are part of REset Plastic, the international plastic strategy of the Schwarz Group, which was started in 2018. Together, we are pursuing the vision of “Less Plastic – Closed Loops”.

REset Plastic and Its Five Action Areas

There is no simple solution to the issue of plastics. To do justice to the complexity, we have introduced five action areas that take a holistic look at the issue:

REduce

Wherever possible and sustainable, we avoid the use of plastic.

Our reusable mesh bags for fruits and vegetables are a way of creating a sustainable alternative to plastic bags.

REdesign

We design products and packaging that are recyclable and foster closed-loop systems. 

We have already reduced plastic in a lot of packaging, increased the recyclability or have used recycled plastic. Our packaging logo packaging responsibly makes this transparent for our customers.

REcycle

We collect, sort, and recycle plastic, thus closing the loop for materials. 

Almost all of the recyclables in our Lidl storage facilities are sorted separately today. That makes it possible to recycle old plastic wrapping material into new trash bags.

REmove

We provide support in removing plastic from the environment. 

Together with our cooperation partners, “Project Stop” and “One Earth – One Ocean e.V.” we contribute to plastic-free oceans and rivers. This engagement also includes local projects in countries where Lidl is active.

REsearch

We invest in research and development of innovative solutions and provide information on recycling and resource conservation.

As part of the Schwarz Group, we have signed the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Global Commitment, which is a strong sign of our vision for a globally functioning circular economy.

Learn more about the REset Plastic strategy here.