ALDI expanding 'plastic-free' produce

ALDI is extending a trial to remove plastic packaging from some fresh fruits and vegetables in stores in England.

The retailer is selling private brand produce such as cabbage and cauliflower without plastic wrapping. 

The move follows a successful trial in Scotland earlier this year. 

ALDI estimates that if the plastic-free initiative were introduced in all 830 of its stores in the United Kingdom it would save more than 100 tons of plastic a year without increasing food waste.

The trial selling plastic-free fruits and vegetables will start at the beginning of July in the North and South East of England. If the trial is successful the retailer plans to roll out plastic-free produce lines to all of its stores by the end of 2019.

ALDI has pledged that its private brand packaging will be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2022 and that the company will reduce plastic packaging by 25% by the end of 2023.