Aldi’s top five sustainable swaps
From plastic-free toothbrushes to recycled wine bottles, Aldi is leading the way with innovative packaging changes to help shoppers make greener choices while reducing environmental impact
Print25 November 2024
Over the past year, Aldi customers may have noticed some changes to their everyday essentials whilst doing the weekly shop.
From introducing recycled plastic bottles to switching to cardboard alternatives, the retailer has been implementing some positive changes to help customers cut down on single-use plastic and reinforcing its commitment to making sustainability affordable for everyone.
By working closely with its network of 330 Irish suppliers, Aldi continues to reduce its environmental impact through new product innovations, many of which have been a first to the Irish market this year.
Jason Carolan, Aldi’s plastic and packaging manager, has shared his top finds for shoppers who are looking for ways to make simple, sustainable swaps in their weekly shop:
Scrub away plastic on toothbrushes
Aldi has replaced the plastic and card packaging on its everyday own-label toothbrushes with a cardboard alternative, making it easier for customers to recycle at home without the need for separation.
The change applies to Aldi’s two-packs of Dentitex Soft and Whitening toothbrushes, helping to remove an estimated 3 tonnes of plastic packaging per year.
Recycled plastic for own-brand drinks
Aldi has introduced 30% recycled plastic (rPet) on its own-brand soft drinks and bottled water, while 100% recycled plastic has been added to all kids ranges.
Through this removal of surplus packaging, Aldi is eliminating a total of 143 tonnes of plastic per year.
Not only that, Aldi has also removed the coloured plastic caps from its water bottles to further improve the recyclability of its products. Instead, water bottle products, including kids bottles, now come with clear caps, which are easier to recycle.
This change will enable an additional 174 tonnes per year of plastic to be recycled into food-grade packaging.
Raise a glass to less plastic
Earlier this year, Aldi rolled out Ireland’s first ‘flat’ wine bottle made from 100% recycled plastic, nearly seven times lighter than glass and fully recyclable. This innovation reduces transportation emissions by 30% and could eliminate up to 22 tonnes of bottle weight from the supply chain.
The ‘Chapter and Verse’ bottles also comply with Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, through which Aldi has accepted over 120 million customer returns of cans and bottles to date.
In addition to its wine range, Aldi has also introduced a new paper gin bottle, marking another first to market for the retailer. The own label Greysons dry gin is three times lighter than glass and fully recyclable, made from 94% recycled paperboard with a food-grade liner to ensure product quality.
This innovative packaging will remove 2.5 tonnes of bottle weight from the supply chain, reducing transportation emissions and making it easier for customers to recycle.
By incorporating sustainable packaging into its drinks range, Aldi continues to lead the way in offering eco-conscious alternatives that benefit both consumers and the environment.
Cheesy savings at Aldi
Aldi is making changes across its Everyday Essentials range including its Cheesy Singles, by swapping the plastic packaging for a paper alternative, making it much easier for customers to recycle at home.
The move to paper packaging will remove an estimated 5 tonnes of plastic packaging each year.
Soap-erior packaging
Another first to the Irish market has been Aldi’s fully recyclable handwash pump. The own-label Lacura handwash supports a total of saving of 30 tonnes of plastic annually and has previously been recognised as a ‘hero’ product in Repak’s annual Plastic Pledge report.
Read more: Aldi celebrates 40 wins at Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards
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