Lidl has announced that it is making a major change to the packaging of a meat product despite early complaints from customers.
The budget supermarket is set to introduce vacuum-packed packaging across all of its beef mince products in a move that will see it drastically cut back on plastic waste.
Set to roll out in stores next year, the new eco-friendly packaging will also see the shelf life of the meat doubled from its current eight days to 16 days, as the packet will keep the content fresher for longer.
It will also save space and result in up to 350 delivery trucks being taken off the road each year - and save households up to 250 tonnes of plastic a year.
Lidl are not the only retailer to roll out the vacuum-packs across its beef mince products, after Sainsbury's became the first supermarket to do so earlier this year.
However, the move was not well received by shoppers who complained that the packaging made the meat "mushy" and "unappetising".
Despite this, Co-op also adopted the vacuum packaging last month, with 11 minced meat products undergoing the change in both Co-op and Nisa stores.
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."
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