Aldi has revealed that it is trialling 12 new loose fruit and vegetable lines in UK stores as part of its drive to reduce the use of plastic packaging.
A month-long trial will see outlets in County Durham, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Northumberland, and Tyne & Wear offer the following items to buy loose: Parsnips, Carrots, Broccoli, Brown onions, Red onions, Ginger, Pears, Salad tomatoes, Limes, Lemons, Oranges, and Garlic.
If rolled out across all of the discounter’s stores, the move could save an estimated 445 tonnes of unnecessary packaging per year, as well as help to cut food waste.
“We are constantly looking for new ways to reduce unnecessary packaging, and this trial is another example of the significant steps we’re taking in this area,” said Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi.
“By trialling these packaging-free produce lines, we hope this encourages customers to make more environmentally friendly choices when shopping in-store. By helping shoppers to buy only what they need, we’re not just reducing packaging, but helping to cut food waste too.”
Catherine David, Director of Behaviour Change and Business Programmes at WRAP, commented: “WRAP’s ambition is for 50% of uncut fruit and veg to be sold loose by the end of 2030, so It’s fantastic to see Aldi selling more loose produce.
“A household of four throws away on average £1,000 of food each year, costing the planet’s precious resources, and people’s pockets. By selling more items loose, people will be able to buy only what they need, save money and cut the use of single-use packaging – a real win-win-win!”
Aldi already offers several loose produce options, including potatoes, peppers, and avocados.
