Aldi is switching to paper and compostable carrier bags – but they cost up to 19p each
BARGAIN supermarket Aldi is introducing paper and compostable bags - but they cost up to 19p each.
From July the German retailer will offer paper bags in half of stores and the rest will offer compostable ones.
At the end of the two-month trial the most popular option among shoppers will be rolled out across the rest of Aldi's 830 branches.
It will continue to offer 9p reusable bags, so it's not ditching the plastic completely.
The supermarket estimates that it will save 1,300 tonnes of plastic a year, which is equivalent to 33.3million carrier bags.
Later this summer it will also test two more options - a reusable cotton bag and another made from "back of store" waste.
The supermarket hasn't revealed what the new bags will look like.
But it says that paper bags are strong enough to carry up to 11kg of groceries - they will cost 19p.
The compostable bags are made from a bio-degradable material, called Bioplast, and will compost within 12 months - they will cost 6p each.
They can be used to in food waste bins and in garden compost.
Fritz Walleczek, from Aldi, said: “Reducing the amount of plastic we produce is fundamental to our commitment to being a sustainable and environmentally responsible business.
"This new trial is one of the biggest we have ever launched because we want our customers to be involved and help us make the right decision for them and the environment.”
Last week, Sainsbury's revealed plans for a recycling scheme where it will pay shoppers 5p per bottle they return.
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It also said it would axe plastic bags for loose fresh fruit and vegetables.
Greenpeace added that this equated to a 1 per cent reduction in plastics.
While last week Waitrose has launched a plastic free packaging trial selling loose cereal, pasta and rice to shoppers who bring in their own containers.
And Morrisons has allowed customers to use their own plastic containers to buy meat and fish since May last year.
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