Lidl Switzerland has introduced cellulose film packaging for its organic cheese range.
Partnering with Hardegger Käse dairy, the retailer is replacing traditional plastic packaging with an eco-friendly alternative.
The move is part of Lidl Switzerland's broader sustainability strategy aimed at reducing plastic.
The new cellulose packaging, which houses the popular Alpstein and Usserrhödler organic mountain cheeses, is made from recycled wood sourced from FSC-certified forests. Production of the packaging is free from fossil fuels, while the packaging itself effectively preserves the cheese's flavour while ensuring food safety.
'Innovative' Packaging
The new packaging is initially available in over 100 Lidl stores, primarily in German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino.
Sandro Renz, head of sales and marketing at Hardegger Käse, commented, “Our cellulose-based film offers identical properties in terms of shelf life and quality to conventional plastic films."
Lidl Switzerland is committed to slashing plastic use in its own-brand products by 30% before 2025.
This target was surpassed two years ahead of schedule, with an average of over 25% recycled material now incorporated into all own-brand packaging. A key milestone was the switch to 100% recycled PET bottles for its Saguaro water, saving approximately 157 tonnes of plastic annually.
Shopping Trends
Elsewhere, a new study has found that some 65% of UK shoppers have switched either 'some' or 'all' of their shopping to Aldi and Lidl,
The study, by Pricer, found that despite aggressive discounting and enhanced loyalty offers from mainstream supermarkets, shoppers continue to switch to the discounters, in search of deals.
It surveyed 1,000 people, and found that the percentage of those switching to Aldi and Lidl was up by four percentage points compared to last year.
