Lidl will make all of its own brand tea bags fully compostable, expecting to divert up to 800 million per year from traditional waste bins, and subsequently, landfill.
The teabags can be disposed in food or green bins and will be made form a plant-based plastic, polylactic acid (PLA) that maintains composability, quality and flavour.
Lid head of responsible sourcing and ethical trade Shyam Unarket said customers buying the teabags will support the supermarket’s “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,” he added.
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Lidl’s move follows research finding a single plastic teabag can release 11.6 billion microplastic particles at brewing temperature.
To reduce plastic in other products, Lidl has also launched a vacuum-packed, recyclable beef packaging to reduce plastic by 63%.
“Plastic reduction is a huge priority for us, however, we also recognise the important role that plastic plays in our daily lives. That’s why it’s hugely important that our plastic reduction strategy is centred around a progressive circular programme,” said Unarket.
