Lidl unveils 25ft mural in Glasgow made from more than 30,000 bottle caps

German discount retailer Lidl has unveiled a 25ft mural in Glasgow made from more than 30,000 bottle caps.

Named Bottlecelli, it was commissioned to mark the fact that 253,000 containers of PET plastic and aluminium have been recycled through Lidl’s bottle return scheme trial since it launched last month.

The artwork reimagines early renaissance painter Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and is designed to encourage more shoppers and passers-by to play their part in reducing plastic pollution.

Lidl teamed up with mural artist Smug and Yardworks, the street and graffiti programme at SWG3, to deliver the artwork.

It is embellished in parts with a mix of bottle caps due to be recycled, as well as bottle caps already recycled through the scheme in the past month.

Lidl’s return scheme pilot launched in February and will run until August.

Shoppers receive a 5p reward for each eligible item that they return, which can either be redeemed against their weekly shop or donated to the STV Children’s appeal.

The supermarket anticipates the trial scheme will result in a minimum 10.5 tonnes of plastic and aluminium material being recycled each month, with the material set to be retained and used to create new plastic and aluminium products.

Marco Ivone, Lidl’s regional director for Scotland, said: “Since launching last month, we’ve had an overwhelming response to our pilot return scheme and ‘Bottlecelli’ is an opportunity for us to give something back to the Glasgow community.

“We know our customers share our passion for sustainability, and saving money, and we hope even more people take advantage of the schemes as we continue to invest in ways to ensure recycling is as convenient as possible.”

Laura Frood, engagement and participation lead at SWG3 Glasgow, said: “The mural looks fantastic and is testament to the talented team of artists and students who were able to make art from waste bottle tops.

“Beyond the mural, the partnership has also seen investment into our Yardworks Programme and street arts festival, which will take place between May 4-5.”