Lidl recycled workwear for nearly 4,000 kilograms in 2022
The end-of-life workwear of Lidl employees gets a new lease of life when we recycle them into raw materials at Rester. In 2022, nearly 4,000 kilograms of Lidl workwear was recycled. The workwear are processed into recycled fibers. Recycling workwear is a tangible example of Lidl's commitment to the food industry's shared material efficiency.
Lidl has been recycling its workwear since November 2021. The workwear is processed into recycled fibers at our recycling plant Rester. In 2022, as part of our joint project, 3,896 kilograms of workwear were recycled. Incinerating the same amount of textiles as waste would have produced approximately 4,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions. Meanwhile, 2 million liters of water are saved when an equivalent amount of fiber is replaced with end-of-life textiles.
"For us, this cooperation is important because textile recycling is a growing industry that is widely discussed. We are constantly looking for new ways to recycle more and more materials," says Anna Liitiäinen, Project Manager for Recycling Logistics at Lidl.
At Lidl, old and clean end-of-life workwear from store and distribution center personnel are sent sorted by material to Rester in Paimio for recycling. At Rester's plant, textiles are recycled by cutting them into patches and mechanically opening the material into fibers, which are then delivered in bales for further processing by various industry operators. Rester's recycled fibers can be used to make thread, fabric, various fiber-based materials, and composites.
Lidl is involved in the material efficiency commitment
Workwear recycling is one example of Lidl's material efficiency efforts. Lidl has been involved in the food industry's material efficiency commitment since 2018. The goal of the material efficiency commitment is to reduce environmental impact, promote circular economy, and improve companies' competitiveness.
During the first contract period of 2018-2021, Lidl reduced waste by introducing the popular loss preventing sale. The sale offers edible but past-their-prime fruits and vegetables as well as overnight bakery items at a discounted price.
During the second contract period of 2022-2026, Lidl has committed to continuing its work to optimize recycling and reduce food waste, as well as reducing the amount of plastic and increasing the share of recycled plastic in its own brand packaging.
