Lidl switches to vacuum packed format for beef mince range

Lidl GB has revamped its packaging across its beef mince range.

The supermarket has switched to vacuum-packed packaging, which it said reduces plastic by 63%. It added that the new flexible plastic format will save space resulting in up to 350 delivery trucks being taken off the road each year.

Lidl added that the new packs double the shelf life, from eight to around 16 days. The move follows Sainsbury's switch to vacuum pack its beef mince.

Shyam Unarket, Lidl GB's head of responsible sourcing and ethical trade, said: "Plastic reduction is a huge priority for us, and this one change will reduce the amount of plastic in each pack by a whopping two thirds, culminating in the elimination of over 250 tonnes of plastic from packaging a year. 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 centred around a progressive circular programme. 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."