In nature, there is no waste - only cycles. Instead of extracting, consuming, and ultimately discarding valuable resources, our aim is to keep materials in circulation through circular approaches such as reuse and recycling. In doing so, we conserve resources, minimise waste, and help keep raw materials within the loop.
As a global retail company, we share responsibility for managing natural resources. For us, the principle is clear: anyone who brings materials such as plastic into circulation must also take responsibility for their continued lifecycle. We embrace this responsibility by taking action across our entire value chain - from raw material sourcing and production to logistics and recycling. Our aim is to consistently use resources efficiently, reduce waste, and close material loops.
Our measures contribute directly to the Schwarz Group’s joint circular economy strategy, REset Plastic / REset Resources. In line with this framework, we implement Lidl-specific initiatives to actively shape the transition towards a resource-efficient economy - step by step. For our customers and for a resource-resilient Europe.
We promote resource efficiency through concrete circular projects, bringing together international partners to drive innovation. Together, we further develop standards, actively reduce resource consumption, and close material loops across the value chain.
of our coffee has at least one of the following certifications: Rainforest Alliance & UTZ, Fairtrade or from organic farming
cocoa used in our products presents sustainability certifications such as Fairtrade or Rain Forest Alliance since 2021
of green tea, black and rooibos and 50% of herbal and fruit teas are certified by Rainforest Alliance & UTZ, Fairtrade or from organic farming
Together with international partners, Lidl reduces resource consumption, closes loops and develops standards along the entire value chain. Find detailed information and figures on conserving resources here as a PDF download.
Safe, nutritious food belongs on plates, not in bins. As part of our commitment to resource conservation, we take a proactive approach to preventing food waste at every stage of store operations. From offering our Food Saving Bags to sell perfectly suitable produce at reduced prices, to donating surplus items through our flagship Feed It Back initiative, we work directly with local communities and charity partners to keep valuable food within the consumption cycle.
Launched across all our stores in December 2023, our Food Saving Bag initiative gives high-quality fruit and vegetables a second life. Handpicked daily by our store teams, these bags feature 4kg of fresh produce that may have slight cosmetic imperfections or minor outer packaging damage, yet remain perfectly fresh, safe, and nutritious to eat.
Sold at a discounted price of just €3, each bag offers exceptional value while directly tackling in-store food loss. As part of our wider Too Good To Waste project, this initiative transforms food prevention into social support: for every bag sold, €0.50 is donated directly to Caritas Malta, providing essential assistance to persons in need.
First launched in March 2024 in collaboration with local non-governmental organisations, our Feed It Back initiative was established to ensure that safe, nutritious food is never wasted. What began as a pilot project has steadily expanded, and today all 12 Lidl Malta stores participate in the initiative.
Through this program, store teams identify high-quality surplus items every day - including fresh bake-off goods, products nearing their best-before date, or items with minor outer packaging damage that remain completely safe and perfectly edible. Instead of discarding these goods, we partner directly with trusted organisations, including the Malta Food Bank Foundation, Caritas Malta, and the Franciscan Welfare Association, among others, who collect and distribute them to vulnerable individuals and families. By turning potential food loss into vital social care, Feed It Back helps protect natural resources while nourishing our local community.
We work continuously to improve our textile and footwear range, applying rigorous quality and safety standards to ensure environmental and social sustainability across our supply chain.