Aldi has reduced the level of food waste in its operations by 57%, meaning it has hit its 2030 target eight years early.
The supermarket announced the milestone as it published its inaugural sustainability report, which offers insights into the work Aldi is doing that contributes to society and the planet.
The business had committed to reduce food waste by 20% by 2025 (relative to a 2017 baseline) and to halve food waste by 2030, in line with the Courtauld 2030 and UN SDG Champions 12.3 commitments. As it has achieved both targets already, Aldi has revised its current target and is aiming to reduce food waste by 90% by 2030.
The discounter works with food distribution companies like Company Shop Group to redistribute food where any waste does occur. It also announced a partnership with the world’s largest surplus food platform ‘Too Good To Go’ earlier this year.
Aldi’s sustainability report also highlights the success of its new eco-concept store, which it opened last year as part of its efforts to significantly reduce emissions in its operations while making it easier for shoppers to reduce, reuse and recycle.
The store is trialling refill fixtures to help customers shop more sustainably and is using energy-saving initiatives such as solar panels and chiller doors to reduce energy consumption. Meanwhile, redesigning the building structure has also helped reduce overall energy demand by 57%.
Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “We’re dedicated to taking steps that positively impact the environment and we know one area where we can have a big impact is food waste.
“This has never been more important – not only for the planet, but in helping people get access to food that’s both high-quality and affordable.
“We’re proud of the progress we’re making, which we’re pleased to share in our first sustainability report, and that’s why we’re looking to push ourselves even further. As we continue to expand our footprint and broaden our customer base, we want to continue to do so in a sustainable and responsible way.
“We know this is important to Aldi shoppers and to our supply partners. And while we still have a lot of work to do, we’re always looking for new ways to innovate to lower our environmental impact across our operations, whether through using renewable energy to power our stores and redistribution centres, to reducing food waste and packaging.”
