Environmentally conscious shoppers will be pleased to hear that discount store Lidl will be introducing a new information feature to their products this October.
105 Scottish stores will be a part of a scheme with Eco-Score to help consumers understand the environmental impact of the food and products we buy.
Over 50 of the stores own brand creations will have a traffic light label indicating where the item sits on the scale- with a green A rating meaning low impact and a red E rating indicating a high impact buy.
Shoppers will be able to tell at a glance how much foods like tea, coffee and hot chocolate negatively impacts the world around us.
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% of its key raw materials, such as tea, coffee and cocoa from certified sustainable sources.
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.”
Over the course of the trial, Lidl will take feedback from its customers on the new labelling 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.
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