Aldi launches in-store refill pilot with UK Refill Coalition

Aldi launches in-store refill pilot with UK Refill Coalition

Business

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.
Aldi launches in-store refill pilot with UK Refill Coalition
Source: GoUnpacked/UK Refill Coalition

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.

Latest Packaging News

Packaging Innovations & Empack brings industry leaders to NEC Birmingham
Events

Packaging Innovations & Empack brings industry leaders to NEC Birmingham

New insights and groundbreaking innovations make 2025’s showcase the biggest yet. The eagerly...
Labels – EPR’s secret weapon
Business

Labels – EPR’s secret weapon

With pEPR upon us, Jude Allan, Interim MD at OPRL, explains why labels are the key to success. In...
Ready for change – reducing costs under pEPR
Business

Ready for change – reducing costs under pEPR

With EPR for Packaging now in place, the requirement for data submission is key. Ruth Beckley,...
Discover the power of Apollo’s multiple infeed & outfeed spiral conveyor
Supplier News

Discover the power of Apollo’s multiple infeed & outfeed spiral conveyor

At Apollo, we take material handling to the next level with our Multiple Infeed & Outfeed...
Purina unveils new cat food in patented pyramid packaging
Business

Purina unveils new cat food in patented pyramid packaging

Product delivered in patented pyramid packaging design – making it easy to serve without cutlery or...