UK – Budget supermarket Aldi UK is piloting the removal of plastic packaging from its banana products at select stores nationwide.

The pilot has been launched at stores in the English North East, South West, South East, and Midlands.

Aldi has switched to paper band alternatives from traditional plastic bags for selected lines, such as its Nature’s Pick five-pack, midi bananas, and Organic six-pack.

If the trial proves successful, the retailer anticipates removing approximately 234 tonnes of plastic packaging annually.

Luke Emery, Aldi’s Director of Plastics and Packaging, said: “At Aldi, we know how important reducing plastic is to our customers, colleagues, and the planet’s future.

“We are constantly reviewing ways we can do this, and our latest trial on bananas is another great step on that journey.”

This trial is part of Aldi’s broader efforts to reduce plastic and packaging waste across its business, which includes several other initiatives.

For instance, the retailer has introduced thinner bags for onions, expected to save 13 tonnes of plastic each year.

Aldi, which claims to be the fourth-largest supermarket chain in the UK, is also transitioning to a recyclable paper-based wrap for its Specially Selected West Country and Yorkshire block butter.

Starting next month, this paper-based alternative will replace the non-recyclable packaging currently used for Aldi’s block butter, potentially eliminating over ten tonnes of non-recyclable packaging annually.

Last month, the supermarket chain transitioned to 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) packaging for its own-brand washing-up liquid, which is forecast to result in an additional annual saving of 106 tonnes of plastic.

Luke Emery added, “We are committed to minimizing plastic packaging and are constantly exploring impactful changes to our products.”

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% rPET, are designed for ease during picnics and BBQs. They are nearly seven times lighter and more robust than standard glass bottles, and are shatterproof, making them ideal for outdoor events.

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