Aldi ends in-store refill trial as funding concludes

Aldi ends in-store refill trial as funding concludes

Business

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.

Source: GoUnpacked/UK Refill Coalition

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.

Latest Packaging News

Cadbury unveils temperature-activated packaging for summer bars
Technology

Cadbury unveils temperature-activated packaging for summer bars

Cadbury is set to launch a new range of Dairy Milk chocolate bars featuring innovative...
New SynTiso line concept from Syntegon revolutionises liquid pharmaceutical filling
Supplier News

New SynTiso line concept from Syntegon revolutionises liquid pharmaceutical filling

At Pharmatag 2025 in Crailsheim, Syntegon presented a new line concept for liquid pharmaceuticals....
Lantech to showcase next-generation packaging technologies at Drinktec, Fachpack and Pack Expo 2025
Supplier News

Lantech to showcase next-generation packaging technologies at Drinktec, Fachpack and Pack Expo 2025

Global leader in secondary packaging equipment, Lantech is preparing for a series of three trade...
Major FMCG companies withdraw from US Plastics Pact ahead of 2030 targets
Business

Major FMCG companies withdraw from US Plastics Pact ahead of 2030 targets

Several leading consumer goods companies — including Walmart, Nestlé, Mars, Mondelēz International,...
UK hospitality sector urges delay and rethink of EPR policy over cost concerns
Business

UK hospitality sector urges delay and rethink of EPR policy over cost concerns

Leaders in the UK hospitality industry have raised serious concerns about the financial...