Discount Retail Chain Aldi UK (German family owned) is developing several new changes to its UK stores as the business looks to become more sustainable. The changes form a part of the German discounter’s commitments to reduce its environmental footprint across the entire business.
For example, Aldi had recently updated the packaging for its whole nut snacks range, such as its almond and pistachio lines, from plastic packaging to a paper-based alternative. It also swapped all plastic sleeves around multipacks of tuna into cardboard.
Together, these changes look to save 202 tonnes of plastic waste from going to landfill each year. The retailer then revealed this week that it will be cutting the number of lights it has switched on across all supermarkets, in a bid to slash energy bills and help towards net-zero efforts.
Aldi also teamed up with the world’s largest surplus food platform 'Too Good To Go' across all 990 of its UK stores last year, to help tackle food waste. The initiative is estimated to prevent around 2,860 tonnes of food from going to waste each year, whilst also helping those experiencing food insecurity.
Meanwhile, the supermarket has introduced a new water strategy which focuses on how the business can implement sustainable water practices throughout its operations and supply chain. As part of this, Aldi has signed up to the Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap, which aims for 50% of the UK’s fresh food to be sourced from areas with sustainable water management.
“We know that our customers want to make more environmentally-friendly choices whilst doing their weekly shop, which is why we are always looking for new and innovative ways to make our business greener,” corporate responsibility director at Aldi UK, Liz Fox said.
“Whether that be reducing our plastic packaging or forming new partnerships that enable us to tackle food waste, we’re dedicated to taking steps that positively impact the environment,” she added.
Read more: Aldi makes eco-friendly changes in UK stores to improve sustainability (grocerygazette.co.uk)
