For us at Lidl, taking responsibility means working on solutions for more conscious nutrition and the management of complex supply chains. These issues affect not only us as a company, but society as a whole. Sebastian Fairhurst, Head of Stakeholder Engagement, explains why political dialogue is key to future-ready action.
For us at Lidl, political engagement means being a proactive partner in dialogue with policymakers and society. We closely monitor relevant legislative and societal developments. By contributing our in-depth industry expertise, we actively help shape discussions and work together with policymakers and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions – both nationally and internationally. Our goal is to help shape framework conditions that are sustainable and future-proof.
We focus on topics where, through our scale and expertise, we can make a real difference. In the area of corporate responsibility (CSR), this primarily includes the circular economy, packaging design, animal welfare, conscious nutrition and energy efficiency. At the same time, broader geopolitical topics are increasingly coming into focus, as they have a significant impact on our business. Our aim is to provide early impulses, actively contribute to practical solutions and share our expertise.
"We closely follow relevant legislative and societal developments, contribute our in-depth industry expertise and work together with decision-makers to develop practical solutions."
On the one hand, we work closely with our Corporate Affairs colleagues across all Lidl countries. We see ourselves as an international network with shared goals – and together, we can achieve more. On the other hand, we coordinate all activities closely with colleagues from Schwarz Corporate Affairs. This ensures that we speak with one voice and make the most of our joint networks.
The Lidl Foundation and the Schwarz Group companies are active in numerous relevant associations and initiatives, including the ILO Better Work Initiative, the Science Based Target Initiative and the Rainforest Alliance. We also leverage networks such as industry associations and chambers of commerce in Lidl countries to ensure our perspectives are heard. These memberships are essential for working with other companies to develop standards, contribute to policy consultations and drive progress across the entire sector.
Sustainability plays a central role for us, but it is not our only focus. Our political engagement is built on two key pillars. The first – and still central – pillar is our CSR strategy, through which we actively advocate for climate protection, the circular economy, biodiversity, health and social responsibility. One example is our commitment to the UN Global Compact, where we have pledged to uphold its ten principles and report annually on our progress. At the same time, we are increasingly addressing economic policy topics that are critical to our core business. In both areas, our approach remains the same: we aim to provide early input, help shape discussions, build bridges between stakeholders and promote sustainable, practical solutions.
