Aldi makes big change to its crisps and claims 'it's a first'

Aldi is introducing recycled plastic to its own-label crisp packaging in what it claims is "a UK supermarket first". The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket said it would now incorporate a minimum of 35% recycled content across its Specially Selected Hand Cooked range, which has already rolled out nationwide. Its own-label popcorn and lentil chips are set to follow towards the end of the year.

Aldi claimed the change was expected to eliminate 78 tonnes of virgin plastic from use annually. It said it formed part of the supermarket’s target to include 50% recycled content into its plastic packaging by 2025. Luke Emery, plastics and packaging director at Aldi, said: "At Aldi we are continuously making changes when it comes to reducing plastic waste and we know how important this is to our customers too.

Increasing the recycled content in our crisp packaging is just one way we are helping our customers to reduce their environmental impact, with all these little changes adding up to make an even bigger difference.” Aldi said it was the latest move in its efforts to reduce its environmental impact and develop alternative packaging for its products. Last month, Aldi introduced 100% recycled plastic (rPet) on some of its own-brand washing-up liquid bottles, while in April it moved to 100% recycled plastic (rPet) for its own-brand soft drinks and bottled water range in England and Wales.

.