Lidl has revealed brand-new plans to replace it's existing own-brand mince packaging for a vacuum-packed alternative - in a bid to reduce plastic consumption by more than 60 per cent.
The smaller packs, which have already been rolled out by the likes of Sainsbury's, also allow the retailer to save space in transit - meaning that some 350 trucks will be able to be taken off the road each and every year, slashing carbon emissions.
Customers have been told that the change is just cosmetic though, guaranteeing the same amount of high-quality 100 per cent British beef mince, as the budget supermarket collectively saves more than 250 tonnes of plastic annually with the sleek new packaging.
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What's more is that the airtight packets will also double the current shelf life on affected products, also reducing beef mince waste in store. Alongside the positive impact on the environment, the change - which will be introduced at the beginning of next year - also comes with significant additional benefits for shoppers.
These include:
- Double the shelf life, from eight to around 16 days, staying fresher for longer for customers to use
- Easy peel film, so that customers don’t have to touch the raw meat
- Smaller footprint pack, taking up less storage space in the fridge or freezer
Lidl GB’s Head of Responsible Sourcing & Ethical Trade, Shyam Unarket, 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."
This latest change forms part of Lidl GB’s commitment to tackling the important issue of plastic waste, as it looks to drive improvements across its product range through plastic reduction, recyclability and circularity.
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