Popular supermarket Lidl has announced that it will be swapping its green milk caps for clear ones. This comes as major supermarkets Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Waitrose implemented the change earlier this year.
The change will come into force in just a few weeks, on November 23, 2022.
But what will it mean for the supermarket, and how does it lend itself to more sustainable grocery shopping?
The green-coloured caps on semi-skimmed and organic fresh milk will be switched to more easily recyclable clear ones.
The rollout is predicted to enable 60 tonnes per year of recycled high-density polythene to be turned back into food-grade packaging.
READ MORE: M&S announces festive menu available for order now
It would see the clear caps on the milk recycled to create milk bottles.
A trial took place earlier this year, and was a success, prompting the supermarket giant to implement it further.
Wrap resource management sector specialist Adam Herriott commented on the supermarket’s new initiative.
He stated: “Changing the caps to a natural/non-pigmented HDPE will enable them to be recycled with the bottle and go back into food-grade applications, therefore able to be recycled multiple times into high-grade, high-value materials and products,” reported The Grocer.
DON’T MISS
Scott Davey, Lidl’s senior buying director commented on the supermarket’s new initiative.
He stated: “We remain committed to supporting our customers in helping them make more sustainable shopping decisions on a daily basis.
“Customer feedback during the trial was overwhelmingly positive and we are thrilled to be making this change permanent across Lidl stores.
“In addition, this move will help us achieve our goal of making more of the plastic we use circular and fit to be repurposed time and time again.”
READ MORE: McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Dip made from ‘worst fruit to exist’ – claim
However, despite its promise of sustainability, some customers have expressed a dislike for the new move.
In August, @lindagr91918778 tweeted: “@AldiUK who on Earth thought it was a good idea to make the plastic milk tops clear?? Just spent 25 mins looking for it! It was already on!”
Aldi responded to the tweet: “We can confirm that our products are under constant review and that changes are often made due to various reasons.
“We’ll certainly ensure that your comments regarding this product are fed back and taken into future consideration.”
Sainsbury’s received similar comments when it rolled out the eco-friendly move.
Customer @ljhatripp tweeted: “@sainsburys why have you changed the lids from green lids on semi skimmed milk to white?”
A spokesperson from the supermarket responded: “We have been swapping our green coloured milk caps and replacing them with clear ones in a bid to improve sustainability.
“Coloured milk caps cannot be easily recycled back into food grade packaging due to their density.”
A spokesperson from Waitrose and Partners previously shared that eight out of 10 shoppers said, given the choice, that they would choose a bottle that used a clear milk cap which could be recycled into food-grade material, over a coloured one that could not.
Express.co.uk has contacted Lidl for comment.
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
