Aldi changes how it sells fruit in stores across the UK in a bid to cut down on waste

Shoppers often throw away the leafy top of the fruit but this part of pineapples can be used in other ways, such as to cultivate next year’s crop or as animal feed.

Aldi will remove the crowns before the fruit hits shelves and ensure they are put to good use.

The pineapples will be sold as part of a trial and shoppers will find them in select stores in the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East.

The new shape of the pineapples will also mean more can be packaged in a box when being transported to stores.

The discount supermarket chain estimates this could lead to a potential reduction of 187 tonnes of cardboard every year if the trial is successful.

National sustainability director at Aldi Liz Fox said: “At Aldi, we are committed to finding sustainable solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment.

“This trial of crownless pineapples is just one of the latest innovative changes we’re testing out to minimise waste and reduce our carbon footprint.”

This follows a recent change made to the packaging of bananas in a trial across the North East, Yorkshire, the South West, the South East and the Midlands.

The change will see plastic bags swapped for a paper band alternative on selected banana lines, including its Nature’s Pick five-pack, midi bananas and the Organic six-pack.

This would also dramatically reduce waste in Aldi stores, removing 234 tonnes of plastic packaging per year.

Plastics and packaging director at Aldi, Luke Emery, said: "At Aldi, we know how important reducing plastic is to our customers, colleagues and the future of the planet.

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

These are not the only changes Aldi has made to become more sustainable.

It has updated the packaging on some packs of crisps to include recycled plastic. It will incorporate a minimum of 35 per cent recycled content in its own brand Specially Selected Hand Cooked range.

This change is set to roll out on Aldi's own popcorn and lentil chips towards the end of this year.