Aldi ends in-store refill trial as funding concludes

Aldi has ended its in-store refill pilot following the conclusion of funding from Innovate UK, with reports attributing the decision to low retailer participation and economic pressures.

The supermarket joined the Refill Coalition in May 2023 and introduced refill stations for dry goods at its Solihull store, later expanding the trial to Leamington Spa. The initiative aimed to reduce single-use plastic consumption and offered customers a 5% discount on refilled items compared to their packaged counterparts. Aldi’s efforts were recognised in 2024 when the project was nominated for a Sustainability Award under the Commercialised Best Practice category.

Aldi has stated that the pilot was always intended to be time-limited. The Refill Coalition, supported by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), has suggested that wider retailer hesitance and cost-of-living challenges have impacted the potential for large-scale adoption.

Following Aldi’s withdrawal, Ocado remains the only retailer within the Refill Coalition actively running a reusable packaging trial. The online supermarket is continuing its initiative, testing refillable packaging for staple products such as pasta, rice, fabric conditioner and liquid detergent.