Aldi have launched a trial of a new eco-friendly shopping bag in a 'UK supermarket first'. 

This week the supermarket chain will roll out its own 100 per cent recyclable freezer bag.

The ‘eco’ freezer bags are made out of a fully recyclable polyethylene (95 per cent) and seafood waste (5 per cent) – known as shell waste – which Aldi claim are the only own-brand 100 per cent recyclable freezer bags offered by a supermarket in the UK.

Where will the new bags be trialled?

Starting this week, the bags will be trialled in over 230 stores across England and will appear in parts of the following locations: 

  • East Midlands
  • Yorkshire
  • North East
  • North West
  • South East

How much will they cost?

Retailing at 99p, the bags are also treated with an antimicrobial agent proven to inhibit the growth of common types of bacteria and mould.

Will the trial be rolled out to more stores?

If the trial is successful, the bags will be rolled out to all of Aldi’s 900 stores across the UK.

What have Aldi said?

Chris McKenry, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi UK, said: “It’s more important than ever to strike a balance between reducing single-use plastic and maintaining food hygiene.

“Thanks to its antimicrobial qualities, this recyclable freezer bag enables us to continue on our mission to eradicate unnecessary non-recyclable materials while also offering customers a more hygienic way of storing and transporting food.

“Our promise to always offer quality at unbeatable prices goes beyond just great food - it’s about catering to the needs of our customers in every way we can, and a rapidly-growing number of those who shop with us want to do so sustainably without breaking the bank.”

What else are Aldi doing?

The trial of the freezer bag is the latest in a number of steps taken by Aldi in its quest to become an even more sustainable retailer.

Aldi is also working towards 100 per cent of its own label packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2022, and for brands by 2025.