The firm’s fresh meat range packaging is part of the Prevented Ocean Plastic initiative that uses ocean-bound plastic repurposed for packaging

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The move will prevent over 40 tonnes of plastic from entering the ocean every year. (Credit: Lidl GB)

UK supermarket chain Lidl GB has launched new packaging for its fresh meat range to prevent 1.7 million plastic bottles from entering the ocean.

The move is part of the Prevented Ocean Plastic initiative that uses ocean-bound plastic repurposed for packaging.

Lidl said that trays containing at least 30% “Prevented Ocean Plastic” (POP) will be used to package Lidl’s 400g and XXL 667g Deluxe sausages, which are RSPCA assured and certified to Red Tractor standard (QMS standard in Scotland).

The supermarket chain claims that the change can help to prevent single-use plastic waste from entering the seas.

In 2020, the firm unveiled its plans to package some of its fish in POP and become the first supermarket in the UK to do so. The majority of Lidl’s own brand fresh fish ranges now contain POP, and several of the budget retailer’s breaded poultry varieties do as well.

Lidl GB responsible sourcing and ethical trade head Amali Bunter said: “As the first UK supermarket to launch packaging using Prevented Ocean Plastic, we are so proud to have now prevented the equivalent of over 15 million plastic water bottles from entering the ocean.

“Of course, our commitment to tackling the detrimental impact of plastic waste doesn’t end there and we’ll continue to work with our suppliers to build on our efforts.”

Earlier this year, Lidl accomplished the milestone of keeping the equivalent of 15 million plastic water bottles out of the ocean

With the recent announcement, an additional 1.7 million water bottles equivalent to 40 tonnes of plastic will be kept out of the ocean each year.

POP packaging is created from used water bottles that are found in Southeast Asia within 30 miles of a shoreline or waterway that empties into the ocean. It is supplied and developed in conjunction with Bantam Materials.