Aldi has announced a significant initiative to reduce plastic packaging in its product lines.
The UK's fourth-largest supermarket is set to remove plastic windows and trays from several of its savoury goods, including pies, quiches, and frittatas.
This move is expected to eliminate 127 tonnes of unnecessary plastic packaging per year once fully implemented.
The change will affect Aldi's Specially Selected pies and quiches, as well as Crestwood frittatas and quiches, which will now come in cardboard packaging.
The change will affect Aldi's Specially Selected pies and quiches
GETTY / ALDI
Additionally, plastic trays will be removed from Crestwood twin slices and Crestwood pork pies.
Customers will be able to purchase these products in their new packaging from November 27. Aldi's seasonal Mini Pork Pie Selection will also be trayless this festive period.
This initiative is part of Aldi's ongoing efforts to become more environmentally sustainable. The supermarket has been actively reviewing ways to reduce its environmental impact.
These changes to packaging are just the latest in a series of measures aimed at developing alternative, more eco-friendly packaging solutions for its products.
Aldi's commitment to sustainability extends beyond just its savoury goods lines.
Plastics and packaging director at Aldi, Luke Emery, commented on the initiative: "We are constantly reviewing ways to become a more sustainable supermarket and reducing unnecessary plastic packaging is just another example of the progress we're making."
He added: "We know our customers care about our environmental commitments just as much as we do and we hope these changes help make their daily shop more sustainable."
In August, Aldi changed the packaging of fruit and vegetable products. This initiative could potentially eliminate an additional 370 tonnes of plastic packaging annually if implemented nationwide.
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Aldi has trialled the removal of pulp trays from several of its fruit and vegetable lines
ALDIThe trial is part of Aldi's broader strategy to reduce plastic waste across its product range.
Sainsbury's has also taken a significant step towards reducing plastic waste by becoming the first major UK retailer to replace plastic tray packaging with vacuum-packed alternatives for their entire lamb mince range.
This innovative change will result in a minimum 65 per cent reduction in plastic usage per product, saving an impressive 26 tonnes of plastic annually.
The supermarket giant announced the switch following the success of their market-leading vacuum-packed beef mince. Customers can now purchase lamb mince in the new packaging both in-store and online.