Aldi is incorporating recycled plastic in its own-label crisp packaging in what it claims is a UK supermarket first.

The discount supermarket said packaging in its Specially Selected range will contain a minimum of 35 per cent recycled content.

The change will be extended to its own-label popcorn and lentil chips towards the end of the year.

Aldi said the changes will eliminate 78 tonnes of virgin plastic each year.

The move forms part of the supermarket’s target to include 50 per cent recycled content into its plastic packaging by 2025.

“At Aldi, we are continuously making changes when it comes to reducing plastic waste, and we know how important this is to our customers too,” said Luke Emery, plastics and packaging director at Aldi. “Increasing the recycled content in our crisp packaging is just one way we are helping our customers to reduce their environmental impact, with all these little changes adding up to make an even bigger difference.”

The retailer has recently launched other products which use environmentally friendly packaging, including recyclable paper-based wrapping for its own-label block butter products.

Last month, Aldi announced it had introduced 100 per cent recycled plastic packaging (rPet) for its own-brand washing up liquid in a move that is expected to save over 500 tonnes of virgin plastic per year.

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