Aldi launches in-store refill pilot with UK Refill Coalition

The UK Refill Coalition has announced the launch of its first in-store pilot programme at Aldi’s Solihull store. This innovative initiative introduces reusable bulk vessels to provide scalable refill options for consumers.

Designed for essential food staples such as cereals and pasta, as well as a range of household products, including cleaning and personal care items, the pilot aims to offer refill products at a more cost-effective price compared to their traditionally packaged counterparts.

The Refill Coalition, comprised of Aldi UK, Ocado Retail, and supply chain solutions leader CHEP, was initially established in 2020 with the support of GoUnpackaged.

The Coalition has joined forces with global manufacturers Berry Global, DIGI, and Eden, along with Trade Fixtures, who have developed new equipment to make this solution a reality. The project receives backing from the UKRI's Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge fund, administered by Innovate UK.

The Coalition's refill system introduces three key solutions:

1. An in-store refill system for dry goods, now available at Aldi UK.
2. An innovative 'tareless' weighing system and liquid dispensers, currently in development/set to launch next year.
3. A bulk home delivery refill solution, scheduled for an early release by Ocado Retail next year.

The in-store refill solution replaces conventional bulk dispensers with reusable vessels, conveniently located at a dedicated refill station. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own packaging to fill at the station, utilising an enhanced and user-friendly weighing system. Each reusable vessel replaces up to 24 single-use plastic packs, making this an eco-conscious and cost-effective choice for consumers.

Luke Emery, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi: We are pleased to have installed the first in-store refill solution as part of the Refill Coalition in our Solihull store. We are continuing our work to reduce single-use plastics and packaging, and making unpackaged product options more commonplace for our customers is a key part of this.

The UK Refill Coalition is committed to transforming the way we shop, one refill at a time.