conserving resources

A better tomorrow – for the careful use of resources

As the world’s population increases, we are consuming more and more resources. This corresponds to an increase in the consumption of water and raw materials, as well as in the volume of waste and products. For this reason, we have a duty to use resources consciously. This includes sourcing raw materials in an environmentally friendly manner, acting increasingly in line with the circular economy model, avoiding or reducing food waste and ensuring conscious use of fresh water.

At Lidl, we are constantly committed to the protection and conscious use of resources throughout our value chain.

Good to know

Food currently employs 55% of the Earth’s biocapacity, which is why the Global Earth Overshoot Day - a day that marks the depletion of renewable resources that the planet is able to regenerate within a year - in 1970 it fell on 31 December while in 2022 it was brought forward to 28 July.

Our commitment in figures

%

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

Our fields of action for the topic of conserving resources

Raw materials

Raw materials form the basis of our assortment. It is therefore all the more important to make their purchase socially and environmentally friendly, in particular as regards raw materials at risk such as soya, cocoa, coffee, cotton, wood and paper. In this way, we guarantee that we will continue to offer products that are made with responsibility.

Food Waste

Reduce food waste from production to consumption. At Lidl, we are a retailer, being the link between industry and consumers.

Fresh water

Water is life and its respectful use is indispensable for survival. For this reason, we work along the entire value chain to minimize risks, such as water scarcity.

Circular economy

Those who put resources such as plastic into circulation are responsible for their further use. At Lidl, we take this responsibility by implementing the Schwarz Group’s Plastic reset strategy. This approach ranges from reduction to redesign, recycling and disposal, to innovation and awareness raising. In addition, we implement circular economy processes.

Conserving resources in operations

Various resources, such as plastic, wood or paper, are used in our stores or logistics centres. In these cases, we take an approach that encourages recyclable materials. The flows of resources involved in our business processes are recorded, collected and divided and resources are exploited to the fullest.

Our publications on the topic of conserving resources

plastic

Reduction and recyclability of plastic

In order to further limit our impact on the environment, we set ourselves the ambitious target of reducing the use of plastic by at least 20% by 2025. A goal that we intend to achieve by reviewing the packaging and repackaging of Lidl brand products that represent over 85% of our assortment. By 2025, we are also committed to making 100% of the plastic packaging of Lidl brand products recyclable, thereby supporting the European Commission’s plastics strategy.

All CSR publications at a glance  

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a better tomorrow