LIDL has unveiled plans to introduce vacuum-packed packaging across its beef mince range.
The retailer said the packaging change will result in a plastic reduction of almost two thirds (63%) and will also take 350 delivery trucks off the road per year thanks to space savings from the smaller packs.
Furthermore, it said that the new packaging provides around double the current shelf life, with it also now estimated that the packs will half the amount of beef mince food waste in store.
Alongside the positive impact on the environment, the change – which will be introduced at the beginning of next year – will also bring an easy peel film which Lidl said will help prevent customers from touching the raw meat.
Shyam Unarket, Lidl GB’s head of responsible sourcing and ethical trade, said, “Plastic reduction is a huge priority for us, and this one change will reduce the amount of plastic in each pack by a whopping two thirds, culminating in the elimination of over 250 tonnes of plastic from packaging a year.
“However, we also recognise the important role that plastic plays in our daily lives. That’s why it’s hugely important that our plastic reduction strategy is centred around a progressive circular programme. By ensuring that any new packaging is recyclable, we’ll be able to help prevent plastic pollution in our environment.
“When the new packaging arrives in store early next year, we know that the huge benefits both from a sustainability and practical perspective, will be welcomed by our customers.”
