Lidl GB has revealed that all its own-label tea bags are set to become fully compostable, helping shoppers make more sustainable choices.
The transition to fully compostable tea bags is expected to divert up to 800 million per year from traditional waste bins, and subsequently, landfill.
The material – a plant-based plastic, polylactic acid (PLA) – not only ensures the composability of the tea bags but also maintains the quality and flavour. From its Deluxe Fairtrade Assam Tea (£1.09) to its Knightsbridge Gold Blend Tea (£1.19) or Knightsbridge Red Label Tea (£2.39) – the change will be made across all of Lidl GB’s own-label tea range.
In line with its wider commitment to improving the recyclability of its products, the move follows a recent announcement from the discounter to transition its milk range to clear caps.
Shyam Unarket, Head of Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Trade at Lidl GB, commented: “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 roll out over the coming months, while existing stock gradually sells through.
The announcement is part of Lidl’s ongoing efforts to reduce its own-label plastic packaging by 40% by the end of 2025.
NAM Implications:
- The fact that a retailer is innovating via their own labels in this way…
- …will eventually force branded equivalents to comply.
- The fact that a discounter is doing so puts pressure on traditional retail competition.
