Aldi customers in Galway will be among the first in Ireland to trial new reusable fruit and vegetable bags made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
The reusable plastic mesh drawstring bags are meant for cutting down on plastic waste carrying loose fruit, as well as heavier items.
Aldi is trialling the reusable bags at a selection of stores around the country, including Portumna, where they will be available to purchase for €0.49.
“In the last year, we have completely overhauled Aldi’s range of shopping bags to introduce eco-friendly options that are compostable, reusable and recyclable where possible,” said John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director.
He added that it is hoped customers will respond positively to the move, which is part of Aldi’s goal of cutting their use of plastic packaging in half by 2025.
Measures taken by the discount supermarket so far include introducing compostable and recyclable packaging in its fresh herb range, cardboard trays in its Specially Selected tomato range, moving all 1ltr fresh Irish milk to fully renewable and plant-based packaging, and introducing three new environmentally friendly bag options in its stores.
Aldi says that these have so far managed to save the use of 12.5 million plastic bags annually in its stores.
The trial for these new plastic bags will run for four weeks at stores in Ardkeen, Carrick-on-Suir, Castlebar, Castleisland, Dungarvan, Dunmanway, Limerick, Nenagh, Portumna and Wilton.
“All the team here at Aldi’s Portumna store are delighted we were chosen to lead this new trial,” said Austin Mahony, Aldi Portumna store manager.
“Sustainable shopping is something we hear customers talking more and more about, and we’re looking forward to hearing any feedback our customers may have over the coming weeks.”
