What does your company do and what kind of value does your company create?
We are a retail company, but our role extends far beyond simply selling goods. Our goal is to provide people in Estonia with a sense of security knowing that in 21 stores across the country, it is possible to shop smartly while receiving the best quality-to-price ratio. We create value by making a high-quality and healthy food table accessible to everyone, while keeping responsible consumption at the heart of what we do.
What motivated you to join GreenDice?
At Lidl, we believe that big changes start with smart everyday choices. Sustainability is in our DNA, and “conserving resources” means more to us than just large-scale plants, packaging optimization, or logistics; it also includes the actions we take at our office desks. Partnering with GreenDice was a decision made from the heart: we don’t want our employees’ well-maintained work equipment to become waste. Instead, we give them a second life, contributing to the growth of digital literacy where it is needed most. This is the circular economy at its finest.
Have you implemented green and circular economic principles within the company?
Every one of our stores features a large sorting station next to the reverse vending machines, which we continuously update based on customer needs or regulatory requirements. For example, in our recently opened Linnamäe store, we introduced a collection point for small electronics for the first time. Furthermore, all our store processes are designed to use resources (water, energy, packaging, etc.) as efficiently as possible. To reduce food waste, we collaborate with the Food Bank, and we recently introduced our “Too good to waste” food rescue bags across all Estonian stores. In our office, we also try to avoid food waste by donating all fruit not consumed by the end of the week to Fudloop. We have also implemented a thorough sorting system and regularly share tips on our intranet to help employees save resources both at work and at home.
Why is it important for you to contribute to the development of Estonia and the rest of society?
It is second nature to us. Lidl isn’t just a brand from somewhere far away; we are a part of the daily lives of Estonian families and local communities. From the moment we first arrived in Estonia, we felt a responsibility and a genuine desire to contribute to the development of local communities. It is a true joy to see how initiatives with local organizations, whether supporting the elderly or protecting the environment, create a real positive impact. We wholeheartedly believe that success in business and society’s wellbeing must go hand in hand: when Estonia and our people thrive, we thrive as well.
