Lidl GB switches to PLA-based packaging for own-label tea bags

09 Aug 2023 --- Lidl GB is replacing the packaging for all its own-brand tea bags with a plant-based polylactic acid (PLA) plastic material to drive compostability. The transition is expected to divert up to 800 million bags annually from traditional waste bins to food or green bins.

The announcement comes as part of Lidl’s ongoing efforts to reduce its own-label plastic packaging by 40% by the end of 2025. Shyam Unarket, head of responsible sourcing and ethical trade at Lidl GB, says: “Those buying tea bags from Lidl are supporting our efforts to reduce single-use plastic going to landfill.”

“We understand that even a few small changes to our products can benefit our customers while helping us improve our impact on the planet – one cup at a time.”

Lidl’s new compostable tea bags will land in store over the coming months while existing stock gradually sells through, the company details. 

Eco-friendly changes
In 2020, Lidl became the first UK supermarket to incorporate “Prevented Ocean Plastic” into some of its fish packaging, which was extended to its range of fresh meats in November 2022. 

Furthermore, Lidl GB introduced vacuum-packed, recyclable packaging earlier this year across its beef mince range, resulting in a reported plastic reduction of almost two-thirds (63%). 

“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 tons of plastic from packaging a year,” Unarket commented at the time. 

“However, we also recognize the important role that plastic plays in our daily lives. That’s why it’s important that our plastic reduction strategy is centered around a progressive circular program. By ensuring that any new packaging is recyclable, we’ll be able to help prevent plastic pollution in our environment.”

The discounter also replaced all single-use fruit and vegetable plastic bags with compostable bags and launched in-store flexible plastic recycling.

Edited by Radhika Sikaria