Aldi is exploring new ways to reduce plastic waste by introducing unpackaged fruit and vegetables.
- The trial includes garlic, limes, lemons, and oranges available in select Aldi stores across the UK.
- This initiative could potentially reduce plastic packaging by 94 tonnes annually if adopted nationwide.
- Aldi demonstrates leadership in sustainability, adding to its existing loose produce options.
- The move aligns with Aldi’s reputation as the UK’s most affordable supermarket, as noted by Which?.
Aldi is initiating a trial aiming to decrease plastic waste by offering select fruits and vegetables without packaging. This trial includes products such as garlic, limes, lemons, and oranges, available in a limited number of its stores commencing this week.
Garlic and limes will initially be available in select locations across the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire, South East, and London. In contrast, consumers in the East of England, East Midlands, and London will see all four produce items available without packaging.
This initiative, should it become permanent, is estimated to eliminate approximately 94 tonnes of plastic packaging annually, marking a significant step in Aldi’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices.
Aldi has already made strides by offering loose produce in various other categories, including potatoes, peppers, and avocados, reinforcing its dedication to reducing plastic use.
Luke Emery, the Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi, stated, “At Aldi, we are committed to removing plastic packaging wherever possible and we are constantly reviewing ways to make a real difference. By trialling these packaging-free produce lines, we hope to help customers cut back on unnecessary plastic when shopping at Aldi.”
Aldi’s status as the cheapest supermarket in the UK, recognised for fifteen consecutive months by the consumer group Which?, complements its sustainable practices, reinforcing its reputation for affordability and environmental responsibility.
Aldi’s trial of packaging-free produce is a significant move towards sustainability, underscoring its efforts to minimise plastic waste.
