‘A little different’: Aldi announces change to supermarket shelves

Aldi’s continued efforts to improve sustainability will see its supermarket shelves look “a bit different” over the next few months.

In the latest report by Aldi Australia, Making Sustainable Living Affordable, it is revealed that a few products will be subject to subtle changes as part of Aldi Australia’s pledge to reduce plastic packaging usage by 25 percent in 2025.

The “everyday” range of batteries will be packaged in paper instead of plastic, resulting annually in an estimated 17 tonnes of waste. Styrofoam noodle cups will be phased out later this year and replaced by a paper-based recyclable substitute.

Aldi has implemented “flow-wrapping” for its two-star Jindurra Station beef mince cuts. This means that 70 percent less plastic is used than the “traditional” packaging alternative.

Daniel Baker, Aldi Australia’s sustainability director, said that both current and new customers can “rest assured” that saving money and doing the right thing are not mutually exclusive.

In a press release, Mr Baker stated that “as a company, we are fundamentally focused in delivering to our customers and we are acutely aware of the fact many are feeling the pinch at this time.”

“We won’t lose out on cost, but this doesn’t mean we’ll compromise our commitment to ambitious sustainability initiatives.”

Since announcing its plastic reduction goal for 2019, the retailer says it has cut 12.2 percent of its plastic waste, removing 5500 tons of plastic from circulation.

Mr Baker stated that it is difficult to ignore the negative effects plastic waste can have on our environment.

Aldi takes its responsibility to reduce plastic packaging very seriously. We work closely with our suppliers to maintain our high-quality products and low prices. We also collaborate with them to innovate packaging in order to “design out” plastic.

Aldi also introduced 25c paper shopping bags at its checkouts to consumers across the country earlier this year.

In a press release at the time, Mr Baker stated that bringing your bags to the store is the most environmentally friendly option.

Our paper bags are available for customers who cannot continue to use their plastic bags.

These may seem small, but together, they make a huge difference.

Coles and Woolworths made similar announcements, with Woolworths discontinuing the sale of reusable plastic bags across NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania by June.

Last year, the process started in South Australia and Northern Territory before spreading to ACT and Queensland.

Jeanette Fenske said that Woolworths Supermarkets Director of Stores, Jeanette, was “excited to complete our national journey” to remove 15-cent plastic bags from all their stores across the country.

“Having reusable shopping bags available has become second nature for many shoppers. We have also seen that our customers are eager to adopt this change, as they always are.

We’re proud to have been the first major grocery store to remove plastic bags from their stores. This is a significant step in promoting more sustainable shopping practices across the country.