Lidl is switching from paper pricing tags to Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) to bolster its store operations.
The change, which follows a successful trial in over 35 locations, is estimated to save over 206 tonnes of carbon annually through paper and packaging reductions.
Since the launch of the trial in stores such as Epsom and Tooting in September 2022, over two thirds of shoppers surveyed said they didn’t notice the change, which also drastically minimises the use of ink.
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Introducing the technology also means that the time colleagues previously spent manually checking and updating paper price tags will be reduced.
The discount grocer is gradually introducing the ESLs into specific sections of its stores over the coming months, with the full rollout expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Lidl GB director of sales organisation Isaac Ekpenyong said: “As a discounter, sustainability and efficiency run deep in our DNA. Making changes to how we operate, no matter how big or small, allow us to enhance the overall experience for those shopping with us.
“In this particular case, we’re empowering colleagues by freeing up more of their time to dedicate to tasks that directly benefit our customers.
“But our transition to Electronic Shelf Labels is more than that; it is another step we are taking to reduce our impact on the environment by curbing paper and ink consumption.”
It follows a similar move by the Southern Co-op last August, which rolled out over half a million electronic shelf labels across its entire estate in the UK.
The convenience retailer said the ESLs would save it approximately £220k annually in paper and printing costs.
