Lidl trials Eco-Score labeling to help Scottish shoppers identify responsible products

26 Aug 2021 --- Lidl supermarket is trailing the UK’s new Eco-Score traffic light labeling system in Scotland, helping shoppers understand the sustainability credentials of food and beverage products and their packaging. The scheme applies to the supermarket chain’s 105 Scottish stores this month. 

As one of the UK’s first retailers to launch a trial, Lidl will apply Eco-Score labeling to over 50 of its own-label products – including teas, coffees and hot chocolate – while supporting these efforts with wider communication in its stores.

Better informed, at a glance
The new labeling system will give shoppers a better understanding of the environmental consequences, at a glance.

Eco-Score uses open-source data to independently grade products on their sustainability credentials and assigns a color code ranging from green “A” (low impact) to red “E” (high impact). 

The new labeling system will give shoppers a better understanding of a product’s environmental impact, at a glance.To grade a product, Eco-Score independently assesses various factors including production methods, impact on biodiversity, packaging and carbon footprint. 

Products also receive better scores where they are certified to third party schemes such as Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance and Lidl plans to use the scheme to promote its commitment to sourcing 100 percent of its key raw materials, such as tea, coffee and cocoa from certified sustainable sources.

“Rolling out the Eco-Score trial in Scotland is a huge milestone for Lidl, one we’re extremely proud of,” comments Amali Bunter, head of responsible sourcing and ethical trade at Lidl. 

“We know that shoppers want more support in understanding the environmental impact of the products they buy day-to-day and Eco-Score will do just that.”

“The trial will help customers in our 105 Scottish stores road test the new traffic light system and ultimately make greener shopping choices in the process.”

Collecting consumer feedback
Over the course of the trial, Lidl will take feedback from its customers on the new labeling system before deciding how to progress with the scheme.

In addition, Lidl will share the findings from this pilot to help shape an approach that works for customers and the industry in the long term.

The Eco-Score project comes on the back of the retailer deploying a series of pioneering sustainability initiatives, including the installation of Deposit Return Scheme facilities across its Scotland stores this year.

Communicating better as an industry
Prompted by rising consumer interest in the eco-credentials of product sourcing along the entire supply chain, industry has made strides toward better communicating sustainability credentials through simple on-pack identifiers.

Earlier this month, Foodsteps, formally launched in the UK. It’s the first British tech firm to provide carbon tracking and impact labeling to restaurants, caterers and food businesses. This initiative helps companies calculate, reduce and label the environmental impact of their food.

Foodsteps’ labeling scheme rollout for food closely follows that of Amcor, which recently introduced printed “Reducing CO2 Packaging” labels for the packaging sector that are accredited by the UK-based Carbon Trust.

By Benjamin Ferrer