Lidl Germany: no more plastic bags

On the road to becoming the most sustainable discount supermarket in Germany, Lidl took the next step. In the 3,200 German stores the plastic bag will be removed from sale. As of spring of 2017, Lidl will be the first discount supermarket in Germany to stop using the standard plastic bags. This way Lidl will contribute to the reduction of the huge mountain of carelessly thrown away plastic bags. Lidl will save 100 millions plastic bags that is about 3,500 metric tons of plastic. 

This is one of the ways Lidl systematically improves sustainability and they emphasize, in their announcement, the desire to optimize quality, efficiency and sustainability throughout the entire supply chain.

Photo: Lidl

In addition to this decision, Lidl intends to expand its range of carrier bags and offers cool bags, Fair-trade cotton bags, paper bags and the most resource efficient permanent-carrier bag. The bags aren’t free but Lidl values their possible reusability. “We want to offer our customers a meaningful and lasting alternative while we, simultaneously, motivate customers to act in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways,” states Wolf Tiedemann, CEO of Lidl Germany.

By redesigning the carrier bag range, Lidl will emphasize their commitment to quality, efficiency and harmony with the environment in its corporate identity. They also published a mission statement with future additional measures to avoid unnecessary packaging materials.

Their aim is to reduce the use of plastic bags from the current 70 bags per person per year, to 40 bags per person per year in 2025. In future Lidl stores in Austria and Switzerland will also stop using plastic carrier bags.

In the spring of 2017 customers can choose between the follow carrier bags:

1. The forever bag - Two permanent carrier bags that are woven and so strong that they can transport heavy things such as bottles without trouble. The durable material is 100% recyclable and dirt and water repellent.

 

2. The Fair-trade bag - This certified bag is sustainably made with materials that originate from sustainable sources, according to the guidelines of the Fair-trade organization Transfair. The bag is made of 100% cotton and is biodegradable. 

3. The certified bag - This unbleached paper bag is made from 100% renewable materials, which are exclusively grown in sustainable managed forests. The entire bag can be recycled and is biodegradable; the bags are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

4. The cooler bag - For the transport of frozen and refrigerated products, customers can choose the cooler bag. The cooling effect is achieved with insulating materials combined with air circulation between several layers of foil.

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