Aldi introduces own-label aluminium wine bottle in UK supermarket first

Aldi is set to launch what it claims to be the UK's first own-brand aluminium wine bottle, available in stores from 14 April. The Costellore Pinot Grigio (RRP £5.99 for 75cl) offers a lighter, fully recyclable packaging alternative, supporting the retailer’s sustainability goals.

Weighing just 95g, the aluminium bottle is around 75% lighter than a traditional glass bottle. Aldi states that this weight reduction could result in transport savings of over five tonnes per truckload. The packaging is also fully recyclable, aligning with wider efforts to minimise the environmental impact of drinks packaging.

The wine itself is a crisp, Italian Pinot Grigio, featuring notes of lemon and orchard fruits. It is bottled in the UK at a winery powered by sustainable energy sources and is recommended as a pairing for seafood, white meats, light creamy dishes, and pasta.

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: Our buying teams are constantly exploring ways to offer greater value and greener choices for our customers. Shoppers are looking for ways to make a difference, and we’re proud to be leading the way with innovations like this aluminium wine bottle, building on our commitment to sustainable packaging.

This move follows Aldi’s recent recognition as 'Sustainable Drinks Retailer of the Year' at The Drinks Retailing Awards, a reflection of its commitment to more environmentally responsible packaging. Recent initiatives include the introduction of super-lightweight glass bottles and own-label wines sold in paper bottles.

Catherine Smith, Commercial Director at Broadland Drinks, said: We’re delighted to partner with Aldi on the launch of the aluminium wine bottle. This initiative fits perfectly with our ambition to reduce our own carbon footprint and work with our retailers to make their businesses more sustainable. We know the biggest factor in a bottle of wine’s carbon footprint is the bottle itself, so by switching from glass to aluminium, we can help meet the rising demand for alternative lower carbon formats.

The aluminium wine bottle has been developed in collaboration with Broadland Drinks, a UK-based company specialising in sustainable drinks packaging.