Lidl is committed to the UN Global Compact for responsible corporate governance

Lidl Romania has been a member of UN Global Compact since the beginning of 2018, with the company’s sustainability strategy supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Lidl and other companies within the Schwarz Group are committed to the goals of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and signed an agreement to this effect. Therefore, the company has committed to 10 United Nations principles of sustainability in the areas of human rights, social standards, environment and anti-corruption. Lidl Romania joined the UN Global Compact principles proactively, two years ago.

For Lidl, in all the countries in which the company is present, a priority objective is to constantly improve the social and ecological standards in its value chain. This is, among others things, clearly stated in the company’s most recent Position paper on corporate due diligence with regard to human rights and environmental protection when purchasing commercial goods. The complete position paper and further information on Lidl’s commitment to sustainability can be found on the company’s responsibility page at this link.

In Romania, Lidl has committed to the principles of responsible corporate governance, becoming a member of the United Nations Global Compact since the beginning of 2018. Thus, the company’s local sustainability strategy supports the UN Global Compact principles and contributes to the Sustainble Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs). Lidl is taking various steps and measures to improve constantly, in accordance with the SDGs, the processes of the 4 strategic areas where the company has an impact: – 1. Resources and agriculture, 2. Supply chain and processing, 3. Operations and processes, 4. Customers and society.

Among the most important measures deriving from Lidl Romania’s sustainability strategy and supporting the company’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the UN Global Compact is the wide range of actions and programs aimed to protect the environment.

For example, under the REset Plastic umbrella, the Schwarz Group’s plastic reduction strategy, the company considerably reduced the amount of this material put into circulation. Some of the initiatives that are part of this strategy are: delisting single-use plastic items such as cutlery, plates and cups, in 2019, and delisting disposable plastic bags in 2018, a measure through which the company estimates that approximately 598 tons of plastic are saved annually. In addition, in 2019, Lidl Romania replaced thin plastic bags for weighing fruits and vegetables with an alternative solution made of compostable and biodegradable material, and earlier this year introduced reusable bags for fruits and vegetables, thus encouraging customers to adopt an environmentally responsible behavior.

Moreover, Lidl is an active partner in civil society projects which aim to protect the environment, such as “With Clean Waters“. This program, developed at the initiative of Lidl Romania and MaiMultVerde association focuses on combating and preventing plastic pollution of the Danube, contributing to 6 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

At the same time, Lidl is involved in initiatives that reduce food waste and so far has invested over 400.000 Euros in the opening and operation of the Food Bank Network in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Roman, Brasov and Oradea. Apart from the financial support (that cover, for example, the salary costs, rental of warehouses, the purchase of cars for transport, communication costs, etc.), Lidl constantly donates food products, destined for people from vulnerable communities. The Food Banks Network collects from companies food and non-food products that for various reasons have lost their market value and distributes them to non-governmental organizations that provide help for those in need.

At the same time, Lidl Romania upholds the principles of the UN Global Compact regarding Labor and Human Resources. Lidl mantains its position as the leading employer in retail, offering the most attractive compensation and benefit packages, which include various bonuses and salary increases, paid leave above the market average or private health insurance. In addition, Lidl is constantly promoting and supporting the principle of equal opportunities for all employees. Thus, all employees from the stores, logistic centers or administrative headquarters have the opportunity to establish their own career path, and even to be promoted in management positions.

Also, Lidl is a transparent company, regarding its sustainable development of business activities, publishing two non-financial reports, the first covering the fiscal year 2016, and the second, the fiscal years 2017 and 2018. The two reports can be read here.

Lidl is proud to emphasize its engagement in the sustainability area, especially in terms of responsible business practices, by acceding to the United Nations Global Compact and in this way, strengthening its customers trust in the Lidl brand.

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