Lidl GB becomes first UK discounter to join the UN Global Compact, aligning strategy with global sustainability principles.
Lidl GB has joined the United Nations Global Compact, becoming the first UK discounter to participate in the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.
Through the membership, the retailer will align its governance, operations and reporting with the compact’s ten principles covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption. The move also supports progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By joining the initiative, Lidl GB will collaborate with thousands of companies worldwide to strengthen responsible business practices and drive sustainability improvements across its operations and supply chains.
At Lidl GB, we believe that access to health and sustainability should be a right, not a luxury. By joining the UN Global Compact, we are committing to democratising sustainable practices across our business.
We aren’t just here to broadcast our progress, we are here to collectively solve some of the biggest issues facing society. This membership allows us to work alongside global peers to engineer waste out of the supply chain and secure a resilient future.”
Matt Juden, Head of Sustainability at Lidl GB
Lidl GB employees will also gain access to the UN Global Compact Academy, which offers learning modules designed to increase sustainability knowledge and engagement across the business.
The United Nations launched the UN Global Compact in 2000 and it has since grown into the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. More than 20,000 companies across over 160 countries now participate, supported by more than 60 Global Compact Networks. UK retailer Tesco joined the initiative in 2015.
Lidl GB has expanded significantly since entering the British market in 1994. The retailer now employs more than 35,000 people and operates over 1,000 stores and 13 distribution centres across England, Scotland and Wales.
Through the initiative, Lidl GB aims to strengthen supply chain resilience, reduce waste and collaborate with global partners to advance more sustainable retail practices.
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