Germany’s Schwarz group, known for retail chains Lidl and Kaufland, has reported progress in implementing its REset Plastic strategy formulated in 2019. Among other things, the group of companies headed by multi-billionaire Dieter Schwarz, had announced that it would use at least 25% recycled materials in its own-brand packaging by 2025.

Currently, the average share across all countries is 14%, with Kaufland Germany at 29% and Lidl Germany at 23%. As an example, all non-refillable PET bottles produced by Schwarz Produktion for Lidl’s and Kaufland’s own brands have been made of 100% rPET recyclate since June 2021 – with the exception of caps and labels. This measure replaced approximately 54,000 t of fossil plastics in fiscal 2021, a company spokesperson told Plasteurope.com.

Both retail divisions would also have reduced their use of plastics in own-brand packaging by 18% compared to 2017 – without citing any absolute volumes. The target set by REset Plastic is to use 20% fewer plastics by 2025. To get there, the company did away with disposable lids on 500 g yoghurt cups and is using recyclable labels instead of plastic bags in the fruit and vegetable section, for instance. According to the group, 39% of all fruit and vegetable items at Lidl and 56% at Kaufland are now sold unpackaged.