Lidl is to introduce new vacuum-packed, recyclable packaging across its beef mince range to reduce plastic by 63%.
The new packs, which will be rolling out at the beginning of next year, will save space and result in up to 350 delivery trucks being taken off the road each year.
The discount grocer has said that customers across the country will be guaranteed the same amount of high-quality 100% British beed mince, while collectively saving over 250 tonnes of plastic a year through the new packaging.
Sainsbury’s was the first retailer to roll out vacuum-sealed meat packaging earlier this year, however many customers were left unhappy with the updated product, claiming it ‘destroys’ the beef when opened.
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In March, one shopper posted to Twitter that the mincemeat now resembles “mush, dog food, or mince the texture of a single giant burger”.
Despite this, Co-op also adopted the vacuum packaging last month, with 11 mince meat products undergoing the change in both Co-op and Nisa stores.
However, Lidl has said that the new packaging will double the current shelf life from eight to 16 days, and it is estimated that it will half the amount of beef mince food waste in store.
“Plastic reduction is a huge priority for us, 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 centered around a progressive circular programme,” Lidl GB head of responsible sourcing and ethical trade, Shyam Unarket, said.
“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,” she added.
