Lidl GB says its sustainability strategy is making strong progress.
Its fifth sustainability report, Beyond the Basket, focuses on efforts to promote healthier, more sustainable diets and provide more targeted support for communities and the environment.
Lidl has expanded its range of fibre-rich products and introduced monthly discounts of up to 30% on wholegrain items.
As a result, the retailer has already surpassed its industry-leading target to increase fibre tonnage by 20% by 2026 – achieving nearly 22% growth two years ahead of schedule.
Wholegrains now account for 15.3% of all grain sales, up from 12.9% in 2023/24, with a target of 25% by 2030.
Lidl also exceeded its 2025 sales target for own-label meat-free and alternative plant-based milk, reaching a 694% increase against a 400% goal.
These milestones echo the discounter’s broader commitment to increase plant-based food sales by 20% by 2030, in line with the EAT- Lancet Planetary Health Diet and net-zero ambitions by 2050.
To drive further action – and as the first British retailer to align with the framework – Lidl is working with experts and leaders across the food system – from farmers to academics – to explore practical solutions that work for the whole industry.
Richard Bourns, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, said: “Aligning our strategy with the Planetary Health Diet is a long-term commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable food system.
“It’s delivering measurable impact – beyond the basket – by making healthy and sustainable food more accessible and affordable. The progress outlined in our report shows we’re matching growth with real sustainability progress.
“From sourcing materials responsibly and reducing emissions, to investing in British farming, we’re proving sustainability and value go hand-in-hand.”
As part of its responsible product delivery strategy, Lidl has taken big steps to reduce environmental impact across sourcing, packaging, and transport.
Currently, 98% of its critical raw materials are sourced from verified sustainable sources, with a target of 100% by the end of 2025.
For the seventh consecutive year, Lidl sold the highest volume of own-brand Fairtrade cocoa among UK grocery retailers. The discounter also remains on track to reduce own-label plastic packaging by 40% by next year, with recyclability rates already reaching 95%.
Beyond reducing its impact in sourcing and packaging, Lidl is investing in the future of British food and farming, committing £30 billion over the next five years – after exceeding its original target by more than 40%.
Other key points in the report:
The retailer has reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 11.4% since 2019.
Its energy consumption is 100% renewable. To further invest in the UK renewable infrastructure, Lidl has committed to sourcing 100GWh per year directly from RWE’s Gwynt y Môr windfarm through a five-year contract– equivalent to 37,000 medium sized UK homes and just over 15% of Lidl GB’s national electricity. This will help avoid 17.7 million kg CO2e emissions annually.
Innovations like vacuum-packed mince have cut plastic use by 63%, saving 250 tonnes annually and halving food waste in-store.
£100,000 has been invested in water catchment projects to improve water quality and promote sustainable water management.
Community investment saw Lidl donated 18.5 million meals to over 2,800 good causes via its food surplus and customer donations in 2024.
A £650,000 investment over two years to launch its fruit and veg education programme Lidl Foodies has so far reached over 12% of British primary schools and more than 240,000 children.
