UK – Aldi, the discount supermarket chain, has announced the launch of a new recyclable wrap for two of its own-label butter products, marking a first for UK supermarkets.
Starting next month, this paper-based alternative will replace the non-recyclable packaging currently used for Aldi’s block butter.
The Specially Selected West Country and Yorkshire block butter lines will initially feature this new packaging, potentially eliminating over ten tonnes of non-recyclable packaging annually.
This initiative is part of Aldi’s broader effort to reduce plastic waste. Following the recent shift from plastic to paper packaging for the company’s Everyday Essentials cheese singles, Aldi cut an additional 23 tonnes of plastic waste each year.
“We are committed to minimizing plastic packaging and are constantly exploring impactful changes to our products,” said Luke Emery, Aldi’s Director of Plastic and Packaging.
In addition to the paper-based wrap, Aldi has introduced other innovative packaging solutions. In March, the retailer launched the UK’s first flat wine bottles under its own brand, Chapter & Verse, in collaboration with Packamama.
These bottles, made entirely from 100% recycled PET (rPET), are designed for ease during picnics and BBQs. They are nearly seven times lighter and more robust than standard glass bottles. They are shatterproof, making them ideal for outdoor events.
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, highlighted the chain’s dedication to sustainability: “We know our shoppers are looking for greener, more sustainable products, and we strive to meet this demand while offering great value and enhanced functionality.”
Earlier this year, Aldi made another significant environmental stride by eliminating plastic shopping bags from its over 2,300 stores across the UK.
This move is expected to prevent nearly 9 million pounds of plastic circulation annually. Additionally, Aldi has committed to transitioning to natural refrigerants in all USA stores by 2035; a strategy that builds on its current use of eco-friendly refrigerants in more than 600 locations.
Each store’s refrigerant strategy is tailored to the local climate, utilizing environmentally friendly options like carbon dioxide and propane.
Jason Hart, CEO at Aldi, emphasized the company’s sustainability efforts, stating, “As one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, we take our responsibility to lead in sustainability seriously, ensuring our customers don’t have to choose between shopping responsibly and saving money.”
For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
