Lidl is launching a reusable bag for loose fruit and vegetables
Lidl is the first retailer in Ireland to offer them nationwide
The Green Bags will go on sale in September at 99c for a pack of two
Lidl Ireland has become the first retailer in Ireland to announce the introduction of reusable fruit and veg bags across all 162 stores nationwide. Available in September, the reusable fruit and veg bags are designed to give customers a sustainable choice and reduce plastic use and waste in the long term.
The Green Bags, priced at 99c for two, provide customers with an affordable, reusable alternative to single-use, small fruit and vegetable bags.
Deirdre Ryan, Head of CSR at Lidl Ireland commented: We are delighted to be the first Irish retailer to introduce reusable bags for loose fruit and veg for our customers. This announcement is the latest step on our journey to tackle the important issue of plastic waste. We have already implemented several plastic waste reduction initiatives such as our recycling stations in stores, ending the sale of many single use plastic items and the removal of unrecyclable black plastics from numerous categories across our range. Were proud to be leading the Irish retail sector in implementing sustainable initiatives that benefit our environment, our communities and our customers. Were grateful for our customers support on this journey and hope that they support this latest initiative as we continue to respond to their concerns about plastic waste.
This move is one of many steps that Lidl is taking as part of its plastic reduction strategy. In relation to loose fruit and vegetables, Lidl have introduced numerous additional loose options, bringing the overall loose lines to approximately 20% of the range. In April, Lidl Ireland become the first Irish retailer to offer customers in-store recycling stations nationwide to reduce packaging waste bought in-store. Last year, Lidl also discontinued the sale of single-use plastic items including drinking straws, disposable plates, cups and cutlery, with plastic-stemmed cotton buds next on the list in the coming months. The single-use plastic items are being replaced with biodegradable alternatives, saving 2.2 million straws and 1.6 million plastic plates and cups and 75.1 million individual cotton buds from Lidls 162 stores across Ireland annually.
Lidl has also committed to several ambitious plastic reduction targets, including using 20% less plastic packaging by 2022 and having 100% recyclable own-brand packaging by 2025. For the second consecutive year the company confirmed it had achieved zero waste to landfill and announced an end to microbeads in all cosmetic and household ranges.
Lidls work in creating a better tomorrow for the communities in which it operates has been recognised and applauded externally. In 2018, Lidl was awarded the coveted Outstanding Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility at the Chambers Ireland CSR Awards, retained the award for Excellence in Environment and also won the Excellence in Community Award. Also, in 2018, the retailer picked up the Green Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Waste Management awards at the Green Awards 2018.