Lidl Switzerland Tests AI-based Solution For Managing Climate Data

The pilot project, which the retailer claims as the first of its kind among Swiss retailers, is being conducted with the Europe-wide climate tech scale-up, Mondra.

A uniform method for calculating CO2 emissions is necessary to achieve net zero, according to the discounter.

The pilot project will see the AI-based tool providing precise calculation and standardised management of product CO2 footprints with Mondra.

Mondra’s solution represents an important milestone and foundation for Lidl’s climate target of net zero by 2050, Lidl noted.

By 2034, Lidl aims to reduce 42.4% of its upstream supply chain emissions (Scope 3) in the agricultural sector (FLAG emissions).

“With this pilot project, Lidl Switzerland is laying the foundation for implementing its data-driven climate strategy toward net zero – and sending a strong signal to the entire Swiss food industry,” says Nicholas Pennanen, CEO of Lidl Switzerland.

“A uniform, internationally compatible standard for CO2 accounting is essential to making emissions measurable and comparable,” he added.

The Project

The pilot project in association with Mondra will allow the retailer to precisely measure and model greenhouse gas emissions at the product level – across national and international value chains.

This, in turn, will enable data-driven decisions to be made and concrete measures to reduce CO2 emissions in the product range to be implemented.

Mondra’s founder and CEO, Jason Barrett, stated, “Mondra’s AI-powered platform enables Lidl Switzerland to understand the total hidden CO2 emissions of the products they manufacture and sell. At the same time, it provides the necessary tools to work with suppliers and the agricultural sector to improve performance along the value chain.

“This is what we mean by collaborative decarbonisation: stakeholders along the value chain working together to overcome Scope 3 challenges and accelerate the path towards net zero.”

Payment Partner

Lidl Switzerland has teamed up with AgroImpact since 2024 to pay premiums to farms that have produced raw materials in Lidl Switzerland’s supply chains in a more climate-friendly way.

Mondra will enable the mapping of primary data and reductions obtained from engagement with AgroImpact.

Nicholas Pennanen added, “Collaboration and dialogue with the agricultural sector and other key stakeholders are crucial for developing effective measures along the entire value chain.

“With AgroImpact and Mondra, we have two strong partners at our side to help us pursue our path to net zero.”