Lidl prevents 40 tonnes of plastic from entering the ocean with updated packaging

Lidl has become the first UK supermarket to launch packaging using ‘Prevented Ocean Plastic’ (POP).

Focusing on its fresh meat ranges, the move will see sees tonnes of ocean bound plastic repurposed for packaging instead.

According to the discount grocer, the move will prevent a further 1.7 million plastic bottles entering the ocean.

From this week, Lidl’s 400g and XXL 667g Deluxe sausages,  which are also RSPCA assured and certified to Red Tractor standard (QMS standard in Scotland), will now be packaged in trays containing a minimum of 30% POP.

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In 2020, the Lidl became the first UK supermarket to incorporate POP into some of its fish packaging, however now the packaging is being used in its own-branded fish ranges as well as some breaded poultry ranges.

“As the first UK supermarket to launch packaging using Prevented Ocean Plastic, we are so proud to have now prevented the equivalent of over 15 million plastic water bottles from entering the ocean,” Lidl GB head of responsible sourcing and ethical trading Amali Bunter said.

“Of course, our commitment to tackling the detrimental impact of plastic waste doesn’t end there and we’ll continue to work with our suppliers to build on our efforts.”

Earlier this year, Lidl reached the milestone of preventing the equivalent of 15 million plastic water bottles from entering the ocean.