Lidl GB commits to work with WWF to halve environmental impact of average UK shopping basket
Lidl GB has signed WWF’s Retailers’ Commitment for Nature as it looks to work with the wildlife organisation to halve the environmental impact of the average UK shopping basket by 2030.
The retailer has joined Co-op, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose in signing up which means that 60% of the UK retail grocery market is now committed to working with WWF towards the target.
WWF is helping the supermarkets to address their environmental impacts in the seven key areas which make up the WWF Basket. These include climate, deforestation and conversion of habitat, agricultural production, marine, diets, food waste and packaging.
As well as setting science-based net-zero targets aligned with 1.5 degrees across all scopes, Lidl has also confirmed alignment to WWF’s more recent joint retailers’ climate action that focuses on reducing supply chain emissions.
Tanya Steele, chief executive at WWF, said: “Tackling the food system’s excessive environmental impact, while continuing to produce healthy and affordable food, is a huge challenge. But driving change from farm to fork and across supply chains that span the globe is an essential step for our food security.
“We welcome Lidl’s decision to join Co-op, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose in working with WWF to help bring our world back to life, before it’s too late – now we need to see a clear focus on delivery.”
Ryan McDonnell, chief executive at Lidl GB said: “As the first UK discounter to work with WWF on this, we’re continuing to demonstrate that affordability and sustainability don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
“Sustainability has been core to the Lidl business model for many years. We firmly believe it is our responsibility, through innovation, investment, and active leadership, to build a better future – for our business, our agri suppliers, the people we interact with and our planet.”
