Aldi removes plastic windows and trays from popular savoury products

Aldi is introducing significant packaging changes aimed at reducing plastic waste across several of its savoury product lines.

As part of the initiative, plastic windows will be removed from the packaging of its Specially Selected pies and quiches, as well as Crestwood frittatas and quiches. The move also includes eliminating plastic trays from Crestwood twin slices and pork pies, which is expected to cut down 127 tonnes of plastic annually.

These packaging updates will be rolled out in Aldi stores starting November 27. Additionally, Aldi’s festive Mini Pork Pie Selection will feature trayless packaging this holiday season. These changes are part of the supermarket’s ongoing efforts to minimise its environmental impact and offer more sustainable alternatives for its products.

In a broader push to reduce plastic, Aldi previously began trialing the removal of pulp trays and punnets from certain fruit and vegetable lines in August. Should this trial be extended nationwide, it could potentially eliminate a further 370 tonnes of plastic annually. These steps are part of Aldi’s long-term strategy to develop eco-friendly packaging and align with growing consumer demand for sustainability in retail.

Luke Emery, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi, said: We are constantly reviewing ways to become a more sustainable supermarket and reducing unnecessary plastic packaging is just another example of the progress we’re making. We know our customers care about our environmental commitments just as much as we do and we hope these changes help make their daily shop more sustainable.

Aldi’s initiative reflects the growing shift in the grocery industry toward reducing single-use plastics and offering sustainable alternatives, which contributes to reducing waste and lowering the carbon footprint of everyday products.