Circular Economy: Our Common Path to a Clean Future

Our journey begins with one goal: a world in which resources are conserved and recyclable materials are returned to their cycle. The companies of Schwarz Group have set out together to make this vision a reality through innovative waste management solutions and sustainable strategies. Our "Road to Zero Waste" is characterized by ambitious goals, diverse activities and a clear commitment to sustainability.

As the internationally active environmental division of the Schwarz Group, PreZero provides comprehensive waste and recycling management services - both for external customers and for companies of Schwarz Group. The strategic approach around the "Road to Zero Waste" vision aims to conserve resources, reduce waste and return recyclable materials to their cycle. Our jointly chosen goal is to turn waste products generated today into usable recyclable materials for tomorrow. 87.6 percent of our waste was recycled, reused, fermented or composted in 2023.

A key success factor is the sustainable design of products and packaging in the Lidl and Kaufland product ranges.

The retail divisions rely on post-consumer recyclate, which is made available through PreZero's recycling processes, particularly for own-brand products such as household goods, children's toys and the rolling and shopping baskets in their stores. The special thing about the recycled products: A large part of the entire process, from collection to recycling to sale, is covered by companies of Schwarz Group. For production, PreZero collects packaging waste from private households, for example via the Yellow Bag or the Yellow Bin. The plastics are then sorted, cleaned and processed into regranulate. The raw material obtained in this way is used to manufacture high-quality new products. The entire recycling and manufacturing process takes place in Europe, which conserves resources and protects the environment.

By acting ahead together, we create a unique ecosystem that answers ecological and economic questions holistically. With our solutions, we are tackling the challenges of tomorrow - for people, the climate and a functioning circular economy.