Lidl Hungary has published its latest transparent sustainability publication, the Circularity Magazine (Körforgás Magazin). The new document showcases how the discount chain is fighting food waste, plastic pollution, and resource depletion through concrete numbers and corporate measures. Key targets include a 95 percent positive utilization rate for its own operational waste and a drastic 50 percent reduction in food surplus compared to the 2018 baseline.
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it is an integral part of daily retail operations. Lidl’s newly released Circularity Magazine provides a detailed look into the complex processes the supermarket chain uses to minimize its ecological footprint. The publication focuses on building a circular economy, driven by strict targets certified by independent organizations.
Ambitious Targets: 95% Recycling and Less Food Waste
One of the most important global commitments of the internationally dominant discount chain revolves around waste management optimization. According to their strategy, in every country where Lidl operates, a minimum of 95% of the waste generated from its own processes must be positively utilized. This means the waste is handed over to partners for reuse, recycling, fermentation, or composting, with the success of the process verified by independent certifying bodies.
Locally, Lidl Hungary has set an equally ambitious goal: they aim to reduce the amount of food waste generated within their national network by 50% compared to the 2018 baseline.
The Fight Against Food Waste: Donations and the “Save It!” Campaign
The magazine backs up its waste reduction efforts with concrete data. The company’s strategy is built on three main pillars:
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Direct Donations: Throughout 2024, surplus fruits, vegetables, and bakery items from summer events were used to support a total of 1,014 people, in cooperation with the Hungarian Food Bank and the Maltese Charity Service.
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Consumer Involvement: Through the “Mentsük meg!” (Let’s Save It!) food rescue campaign, customers are offered discounted unit packages. These packages contain aesthetically imperfect but perfectly edible fruits and vegetables, as well as unsold bakery items from the previous day.
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Animal Feed: To keep resources in circulation, the company handed over 2,320 tons of food surplus—no longer suitable for human consumption but safe for animal feed—to its partners.
Packaging Optimization: Focus on rPET
Sustainability measures also extend to product packaging. Starting in 2024, Lidl Hungary has been gradually renewing the bottles of its private-label soft drinks. As a result of this optimization, the Hungarian-sourced Freeway soft drinks available in the permanent assortment are now sold in a minimum of 75% recycled PET (rPET) bottles (excluding the cap and label). This measure significantly reduces the use of virgin plastic.
Expanding Network for Used Cooking Oil Collection
To support residential environmental protection, the company launched a free and safe used cooking oil collection program in spring 2022. Customers can drop off used cooking oil and fats in special collection containers placed outside the stores. According to the magazine’s data, this infrastructure is expanding rapidly:
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In 2022: The program started at 18 stores.
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In 2023: The service was available at 108 locations.
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By 2024: Drop-off facilities were provided in front of 125 stores nationwide.
Shaping the Mindset of the Youngest Generation
In addition to physical measures, Lidl places a strong emphasis on educating the next generation. In 2024, the “Körforgásban a diákokkal” (In Circulation with Students) program was expanded to include a comprehensive “Food Heroes” online knowledge test aimed at primary school students. The success of this initiative is highlighted by the fact that the program won the prestigious Symbol of Sustainability award in 2025.
Official Sources and References:
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Download Lidl Körforgás Magazin (PDF): vallalat.lidl.hu/pdf/show/112859
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Lidl Magyarország Kereskedelmi Bt. Official Post (LinkedIn): Lidl Hungary Sustainability Post
