Germany-based discount retailer Lidl has announced its plans to launch new vacuum-packed, recyclable packaging for its beef mince products range across the UK.  

The new packaging is expected to be rolled out in the UK market at the start of 2024 via Lidl's subsidiary Lidl GB.

It will be comparatively smaller than previous packs and will take up less storage space in customers’ refrigerators or freezers.

This pack will also reduce the number of trucks involved in delivering beef products and will therefore reduce carbon emissions. An estimated 350 delivery trucks for the company will be taken off the road annually. 

The packaging will help minimise the use of plastic in beef product packaging by up to 63%.

Furthermore, the packaging features an easy-peel film that allows customers to open the pack without having to touch the raw meat inside.

In comparison to the old packaging with just eight days of shelf life, these new smaller packs will double the shelf life up to 16 days, this is expected to further reduce the amount of beef mince wastage across Lidl's stores by 50%.

According to Lidl, the new packaging will not impact the quality of its beef mince range and will instead contribute to saving approximately 250 tonnes (t) of plastic every year.

Lidl's head for Responsible Sourcing & Ethical Trade Shyam Unarket said: “Plastic reduction is a huge priority for us, and this one change will reduce the amount of plastic in each pack by a whopping two-thirds, culminating in the elimination of over 250t of plastic from packaging a year.

“By ensuring that any new packaging is recyclable, we’ll be able to help prevent plastic pollution in our environment.

“When the new packaging arrives in store early next year, we know that the huge benefits both from a sustainability and practical perspective, will be welcomed by our customers.”

Lidl is introducing this vacuum-sealed packaging as part of its strategy to reduce plastic waste and contribute to recyclability and circularity in the country.