Aldi removes plastic packaging from bananas

The retailer, reportedly the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket, is replacing the traditional plastic bag with a paper band alternative on selected lines, including its Nature’s Pick five-pack, midi bananas and the Organic six-pack.

Stores in the north east, Yorkshire, the south west and the Midlands will be tacking part in the trial. Should it prove successful, the change would help to remove an estimated 234 tonnes of plastic packaging per year.  

‘Future of the planet’

Commenting on the change, Aldi plastics and packaging director Luke Emery said: “At Aldi, we know how important reducing plastic is to our customers, colleagues and the future of the planet. We are constantly reviewing ways we can do this, and our latest trial on bananas is another great step on that journey.”​

Aldi is introducing a host of packaging-reduction initiatives in recent across its stores, including thinner bags for its onions and replacing the current non-recyclable packaging on its Specially Selected West Country and Yorkshire block butter with a paper-based alternative wrap.

This year has seen a number of food and drink firms announce plans to reduce the amount of plastic and non-recyclable packaging from the products in a bid to become more sustainable.

Cutting down on plastic

Last week, Saputo Dairy UK announced it was to remove non-recyclable cover papers from three of its most popular spreadable products​​, eliminating 44 tonnes of unnecessary packaging.

Sainsbury’s revealed plans to cut the amount of plastic packaging in its fish and chicken ranges by 70%,​​ on top of the removal of single-use plastic trays from its fresh chicken the year before.

Meanwhile, supermarket giant Tesco is trialling the use of laser-etched labels on its extra-large avocado range​​ as part of plans to reduce plastic and the environmental impact of the line.