Aldi is launching a trial to test vacuum and flow-wrap packaging for beef mince, aiming to cut plastic use by up to 73%.
- The trial will help determine customer preferences and support Aldi’s efforts to reduce plastic waste.
- Innovatively, the new packaging eliminates paper linings and requires no carbon dioxide during production.
- The initiative is expected to extend beef mince shelf life, maintaining freshness for longer.
- The vacuum packaging trial is underway in several UK regions, with flow-wrap to follow.
Aldi has embarked on an initiative to test alternative packaging methods for beef mince, targeting a potential reduction in plastic packaging by up to 73%. This trial is designed to evaluate customer preferences and is part of Aldi’s broader commitment to sustainability. The new packaging strategies include vacuum and flow-wrap techniques, which do away with paper linings and eliminate the need for carbon dioxide during production.
The project also aims to enhance product longevity. By maintaining beef mince freshness over an extended period, it is expected to increase the product’s shelf life, thus further supporting Aldi’s sustainability objectives. The reduction in food waste and plastic usage underlines Aldi’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Currently, the vacuum packaging trial is live in selected areas, including Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands, and Worcestershire. The flow-wrap packaging trial is scheduled to commence in these regions in November, marking the next phase of this eco-friendly initiative.
Aldi’s Director of Plastics and Packaging, Luke Emery, stated their commitment to environmental improvement and plastic reduction. “These trials promise a range of environmental benefits without affecting quality and could lead to significant reductions in plastic, food miles, and food waste if rolled out across all stores,” Emery noted.
Despite another retailer’s similar packaging approach receiving mixed feedback, with consumers expressing dissatisfaction on social media platforms regarding the texture of the meat, Aldi and other brands such as Co-op and Lidl are progressing with vacuum packaging. This strategy highlights an industry-wide shift towards sustainable solutions.
Aldi’s trial of innovative beef mince packaging reflects a strong move towards reduced plastic use and enhanced sustainability.
