Aldi is changing the way it sells fruit in its UK stores to reduce waste

Selected Aldi stores across the UK will start selling pineapples without the crown so the retailer can better recycle the crown.

It comes after a supermarket changed its banana packaging to reduce the amount of plastic it uses.

Buyers often throw away the leafy top of the fruit, but this part of the pineapple can be used in other ways, such as for next year’s crop or as animal feed.

Aldi will remove the crowns before the fruit hits the shelves and ensure it is put to good use.

Aldi to Try Crownless Pineapples

ALDI

The pineapples will be sold on a trial basis and buyers will find them in selected stores in the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East.

The new shape of the pineapples will also make it possible to pack more of them in a box when transporting them to stores.

The discount chain estimates that if the trial is successful, it could lead to a potential reduction in cardboard consumption of 187 tonnes per year.

Aldi’s national director of sustainability, Liz Fox, said: “At Aldi we are committed to finding sustainable solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment.

“This experiment with crownless pineapples is just one of the latest innovative changes we are testing to minimize waste and reduce our carbon footprint.”

This follows a recent change to banana packaging which was introduced during trials across the North East, Yorkshire, the South West, the South East and the Midlands.

The change involves replacing plastic bags with a paper band alternative on select banana lines, including the Nature’s Pick five-pack, midi bananas and Organic six-pack.

It would also dramatically reduce waste in Aldi stores, removing 234 tonnes of plastic packaging per year.

Aldi’s director of plastics and packaging, Luke Emery, said: “At Aldi we know how important reducing plastic is for our customers, colleagues and the future of the planet.

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Aldi has removed plastic from banana packaging

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“We continue to explore ways we can do this, and our latest banana experiment is the next big step in that journey.”

These aren’t the only changes Aldi has made to become more sustainable.

It has updated the packaging of some crisp packets to contain recycled plastic. It will feature at least 35 percent recycled content in its own Specially Selected Hand Cooked brand.

This change is to be introduced in Aldi’s popcorn and lentil chips offer at the end of this year.