
Lidl is taking steps to address the issue of plastic waste by incorporating recovered plastic from coastal areas in Southeast Asia into its own-label water bottles.
Starting from July 2023, selected own label items will be made with a minimum of 30% recycled material sourced from this region. The initiative is expected to prevent nearly 100 tonnes of plastic from entering the oceans annually.
Lidl initially began using ocean-bound plastic in its food packaging in 2020 and has since expanded its efforts to include a range of own-brand fresh fish, breaded poultry, sausage and fresh fruit products.
To implement the sustainable initiative, discarded water bottles found within 30 miles of a coastline or major waterway in Southeast Asia are collected, sorted and processed for use in new packaging. Lidl has partnered with recycled plastic supplier Bantam Materials to ensure a fully traceable and accountable process. The collaboration aims to ensure a robust chain of accountability, contributing to the overall transparency of the initiative.
