Discounter makes move to reduce packaging and food waste
Aldi is trialling 12 new loose fruit and vegetable lines in a bid to further reduce unnecessary packaging.
The discounter announced that in select stores across the north of England, consumers can now buy loose parsnips, carrots, broccoli, brown onions, red onions, ginger, pears, salad tomatoes, limes, lemons, oranges and garlic.
Stores in County Durham, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear will take part in the trial this month.
The supermarket chain already offers loose produce options on a number of ranges, including potatoes, peppers and avocados, but the latest trial represents a significant expansion of the offer.
Aldi said if it goes on to be rolled out across all stores, the move would see an estimated 445 tonnes of unnecessary packaging removed per year, as well as helping to cut food waste.
Luke Emery, national sustainability director at Aldi, said: “We are constantly looking for new ways to reduce unnecessary packaging and this trial is another example of the significant steps we’re taking in this area.
“By trialling these packaging-free produce lines, we hope this encourages customers to make more environmentally friendly choices when shopping in store. By helping shoppers to buy only what they need, we’re not just reducing packaging, but helping to cut food waste too.”
Catherine David, director of behaviour change and business programmes at WRAP, added: “WRAP’s ambition is for 50 per cent of uncut fruit and veg to be sold loose by the end of 2030, so It’s fantastic to see Aldi selling more loose produce.
“A household of four throws away on average £1,000 of food each year, costing the planet’s precious resources, and people’s pockets. By selling more items loose, people will be able to buy only what they need, save money and cut the use of single use packaging - a real win-win-win.”
