Aldi trials ‘package-free’ products at Cumbria store

Aldi has launched a trial selling its first packaging-free products to help customers shop more sustainably at its Ulverston, Cumbria store.

If successful, the move could see more than 130 tonnes, or more than 21 million pieces of plastic removed annually from stores.

The products are available by weight, with the supermarket suggesting it will provide customers with free paper bags that are fully recyclable and made of FSC-certified material.

In 2020, Aldi announced its new commitment to halve the volume of plastic packaging used by 2025. This will see it remove 74,000 tonnes of plastic packaging from products over the next five years.

The supermarket, which has been carbon neutral since January 2019, is also on track to have all own-label products as recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2022, and branded products sold at Aldi by 2025.

Richard Gorman, plastics and packaging director at Aldi, said: “Customers at our Ulverston store can now buy the same high-quality items they know and love, while also cutting down on plastic packaging.

“We’re always looking for new ways to reduce waste plastic and limit packaging, as many of our shoppers are increasingly conscious of the environment and their impact on it. We hope local customers embrace the trial and we will use their feedback to inform any future plans around refillable products.”