More Recycling at Lidl and Kaufland
Recently, all disposable PET deposit bottles produced by “Schwarz Produktion” for Lidl’s and Kaufland’s own brands in Germany have been made of 100 percent recycled plastic (rPET), excluding the cap and label.
Each of these new bottles at Lidl and Kaufland, which belong to the Schwarz Group, is produced entirely from old bottles. The Schwarz Group achieved this significant developmental step in PET recycling through high investments in the recyclable materials cycle, partly self-developed solutions and know-how built up over many years.
As early as 2008, Lidl took on a pioneering role in the circular economy with the development of the “Saskia” recyclable bottle. The retail division now offers around 60 types of beverages in non-refillable PET bottles made from 100 percent recycled material. Lidl customers can recognize the bottles by the “verantwortlicher verpackt”(more responsibly packaged) logo. Lidl is also focusing on sustainability in its marketing campaign with posters made from recycled material.
At the Kaufland retail division, the bottles of around 50 beverage varieties by the K-Classic private label are made from 100 percent rPET. These bottles are marked with the “bewusster verpackt” (more consciously packaged) logo.
By increasing rPET use to 100 percent for non-refillable PET bottles, the Schwarz Group will save a total of 48,000 tons of new plastic and 79,000 tons of CO2 in 2021 – compared to PET bottles without recyclate, the company says.
