Aldi is removing the protective sleeves over the corks used for its own-label wine bottles, a move it says is a first for supermarkets in the UK.
Following a trial in stores since March 2024, the packaging change will now be rolled out to all own-label corked wines by the end of 2025. This is expected to eliminate an estimated 38 tonnes of aluminium and plastic packaging every year.
The change applies to 46 of Aldi’s wine lines, including Côtes du Rhone, Rioja Reserva, and Atlantique Rosé.
“We know that sustainability is a priority for our customers, and we’re always looking for new ways to reduce packaging and offer more sustainable choices,” said Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK.
“Launching wines with naked corks is a step in the right direction, and we’re proud to be the first supermarket to introduce this change across our entire range of own-brand quality corked wines.”
NAM Implications:
- If corks suggest quality vs screw-topped wine bottles…
- …will the removal of protective aluminium/plastic sleeves dilute/eliminate the advantage?
- As always in retail: ‘Try it and see…’
