A significant share of our greenhouse gas emissions comes from transport. That is why we are digitalising our logistics and promoting alternative drive technologies. In this way, we are reducing our CO₂ footprint and making our transport routes more sustainable - step by step.
When a Lidl truck leaves the warehouse early in the morning, many decisions have already been made: which route saves the most energy? Which stores can be combined most efficiently? How can empty runs be avoided? Questions like these are part of our digital, data-driven logistics system, which works every day to reduce emissions.
With the help of software-based solutions, we optimise routes, manage return transport more flexibly and make our network more efficient. Because the better the utilisation, the lower the emissions. The system also learns continuously: it dynamically adapts to daily order volumes and regional differences. In this way, we combine environmental responsibility with operational efficiency.
"Sustainable logistics means reducing emissions on every kilometre. We achieve this, for example, through intelligent route planning and the targeted promotion of alternative drive technologies."
At the same time, we are leveraging alternative drive technologies. More than 90 battery-electric trucks with trailers are already in operation across all Lidl countries (financial year 2025). The Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden in particular are continuously expanding their electric fleets. At the same time, Lidl is further developing its network of charging stations to ensure reliable vehicle charging. Lidl Netherlands is taking a pioneering role: more than 50 vehicles are already in operation, with the goal of converting store deliveries entirely to electric trucks by 2030. Lidl Sweden, thanks to close collaboration with its logistics partners, is the first food retailer in the country to operate all deliveries between warehouses and stores fossil-free. To drive the electrification of fleets in a structured way, Lidl has developed the “Playbook Electric Transport”: a standardised concept for site selection, charging infrastructure, energy management, including photovoltaic systems and battery storage. Further expansion is planned in France, Poland and Denmark in 2026.
In addition, we are breaking new ground in procurement logistics: in several countries, we are working with partners to shift transport from road to rail. We have also entered into partnerships for transporting our goods using alternative drive technologies.
All these measures serve one goal: to reduce emissions in logistics and thereby contribute to a lower CO₂ footprint in transport.
