Lidl has partnered with WWF in a sustainability move the discounter says will help ensure the “future viability” of its business model.
The discount supermarket‘s new five-year tie-up will form an international and strategic partnership, active across 31 countries, with WWF focused on working across Lidl’s value chain.
It aims to address global ecological challenges, such as making sure that more households have access to more sustainable choices and promoting more sustainable business models.
Specific areas include a focus on conservatism and promotion of biodiversity, responsible management of water resources, climate protection through science-based climate targets, responsible sourcing and building deforestation-free supply chains.
The partnership comes as Lidl last year became the first discounter to sign WWF’s Retailer’ Commitment for Nature – an agreement to work alongside the WWF to halve the environmental impact of UK shipping baskets by 2023.
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Lidl International chief purchasing officer Christoph Pohl said: “In our role as one of the largest food retailers, we are aware of our responsibility and our influence. We take responsibility with the aim of doing business within planetary boundaries.
“For Lidl, sustainable management is not only a question of attitude, but also the basis for the future viability of our business model. With the support and expertise of WWF, we will now take our commitment to sustainability to the next level.
“We can only overcome major global challenges such as climate change and nature loss by working together. That’s why we believe in strong partnerships to work together to provide more sustainable choices.”
WWF International director general Kristen Schuijt added: “The way we produce and consume food and energy is one of the leading drivers of nature loss and climate change.
“In order to halt and reverse what is the biggest crisis facing humanity today, we need bold and urgent actions towards changing our food and energy systems, and the food and retail sector has a big role to play in driving this change.
“As one of the largest retailers, Lidl has enormous international leverage to drive sustainable change in the food and retail industry. WWF is proud to accompany Lidl on this journey on which we will both support and challenge the retailer.”
