A retail first: Aldi to remove black plastics from its stores

Aldi is set to become the first retailer to fully remove black plastics from its stores.

The hard-to-recycle packaging that surrounds the budget supermarket’s core food range will be replaced by a range of recyclable materials in a move that will eradicate 410 tonnes of non-recyclable plastic from its stores.

The move is part of Aldi’s pledge to remove all hard-to-recycle plastics from its core food range by the end of 2020. Aldi’s own-label biscuits will be the last item to make the switch, completing the removal of black plastics by the end of October.

Aldi has been working in partnership with its suppliers to implement these changes and announced last year that it had gotten rid of non-detectable black plastic from its fresh beef, fresh fish, and fruit and vegetable ranges.

Commenting, John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director, said: “Removing black plastic from all our core food range and limiting waste has been a key priority for Aldi.

“We are delighted that by the end of next month we will have achieved our aim, becoming the first retailer in Ireland to reach this goal.

“We understand customers are looking for more sustainable ways to shop with us, and we look forward to introducing more eco-friendly options in the future.

“We also want to thank all of our suppliers who have worked tirelessly on this phase of our plastics and packaging strategy.

“We know we have more to achieve, but this is another important milestone for the business.”