Budget supermarket giant Lidl is set to introduce a new traffic light system in all of it's stores ahead of COP26, which comes to Scotland in November.
The roll-out of the traffic light system will see Eco-Scores being trailed in their Scottish stores this September in order to help shoppers understand the sustainability credentials of their food and drink products.
The family supermarket announced the initial plans to roll out the new labelling system across key categories for sustainability across its 105 Scottish stores this October, as reported by our sister site Glasgow Live.
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Lidl, who will be the UK’s first supermarket retailers to launch the trial, will apply the Eco-Score labelling to over 50 of its own-label products including teas and coffees, as well as supporting this with wider communication in its stores.
Eco-Score will use open-source data to independently grade products on their sustainability credentials and will assign a colour code ranging from green 'A' (low impact) all the way to red 'E' (high impact).
In order to grade a product, Eco-Score must independently assesses various factors including production methods, impact on biodiversity, packaging and carbon footprint and products can receive better scores if they are certified to third party schemes such as Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance.
The new system hopes to give customers a better understanding of the environmental impact as they carry out their weekly shop.
Lidl, who have over 860 stores in the UK, plan to use the scheme to promote its commitment to sourcing 100% of its key raw materials, such as tea, coffee and cocoa from certified sustainable sources.
During the trial period, Lidl will take on board customer feedback before deciding how to progress with the scheme, set to land in Scottish stores in October.
The news of the trial comes after the installation of Deposit Return Scheme facilities across its Scotland stores this year.
Commenting on the initiative, Amali Bunter, Head of Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Trade at Lidl, said: “Rolling out the Eco-Score trial in Scotland is a huge milestone for Lidl, one we’re extremely proud of.
“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.”
