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

Lyte Packaging: Smart Packaging launches at exhibitions across Europe
Supplier News

Lyte Packaging: Smart Packaging launches at exhibitions across Europe

Paris Packaging Week and Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 2025 kicked off to a flying start...
Allpack Launches Comprehensive Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Guide to Drive Sustainable Business Practices
Supplier News

Allpack Launches Comprehensive Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Guide to Drive Sustainable Business Practices

Allpack Packaging Ltd, a leader in innovative packaging solutions, has recently launched a new...
FANCL launches refillable skincare range with reusable packaging
Sustainability

FANCL launches refillable skincare range with reusable packaging

Japanese cosmetics brand FANCL has unveiled its latest skincare line, “toiro,” which features...
LNER turns packaging waste from trains and stations into useful new products
Sustainability

LNER turns packaging waste from trains and stations into useful new products

LNER has provided insight into its recycling efforts with a recent visit to its dedicated recycling...
YPS announce commitment to net zero by 2035
Supplier News

YPS announce commitment to net zero by 2035

The Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS) Board has announced its commitment to a net zero target of 10...