UK – Lidl GB has revealed plans to roll out fully compostable own-brand tea bags, helping tea enthusiasts across the country make more sustainable shopping choices.
The move means customers will be able to enjoy their favorite cuppa knowing that they can dispose of the tea bags in food or green waste bins.
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 exceptional quality and flavor that Lidl customers expect.
Lidl’s head for Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Trade Shyam Unarket said: “Those buying teabags 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.”
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-brand 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.
These combined efforts mean that shoppers can savor every cup of tea knowing they’re helping to reduce the amount of single-use plastic going to landfill.
Other recent initiatives by Lidl GB include incorporating Prevented Ocean Plastic™ into its water bottles, a groundbreaking move that solidifies its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Additionally, plans are underway to introduce new vacuum-packed, recyclable packaging for its beef mince range, contributing to an impressive 63% reduction in plastic usage.
Lidl US. is getting a new CEO
In another development, Michal Lagunionek is departing as president and CEO of Lidl US. The longtime Lidl executive was appointed to the position in June 2021, after holding European-based leadership roles in the company.
Joel Rampoldt will succeed Lagunionek as CEO of Lidl U.S., effective in September, with the appointment confirmed by Chain Store Age sister publication Progressive Grocer.
He will join the company from AlixPartners, where he serves as partner and managing director.
Prior to joining AlixPartners in 2018, Rampoldt was a principal at KPMG, from 2015 to 2018. Before that, he was a partner at Oliver Wyman. He held leadership roles at marketing services company Digitas and AT&T.
On his LinkedIn page, Rampoldt said he advises retailers and wholesalers on how to drive sales and margin improvement by focusing on their key commercial levers: assortment, pricing, promotions, localization, freshness, trade partner negotiations and own brand.
“Working closely with executives and store associates, I help clients execute complex transformational programs,” Rampoldt continued.
“I specialize in programs where profit improvement is reinvested to drive top-line sales. I have a track record in achieving positive financial outcomes in comp sales, gross margin, cost of goods sold, distribution costs and shrink.”
Rampoldt will be the fourth CEO since the company established its U.S. headquarters in June 2015.
The leadership change comes as Lidl continues to expand its U.S. footprint, including in the New York City market.
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