// Aldi is struggling to hit its target of only using recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic packaging for own-brand products by 2022

// The discounter has now changed its target from “by 2022” to “by the end of 2022”

Aldi is struggling to deliver on the commitment it made in 2018 to make all its own-label packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2022.

The change is taking the discount grocer longer than expected for the final 1% of own-label packaging, thanks to a lack of viable alternatives, the Grocer reported.

Aldi first made the commitment in March 2018, saying it would “ensure that all packaging on own-label products will be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2022”.

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By June 2021, the discounter was on track to hit the target, but by March this year the message had changed from “by 2022” to “by the end of 2022”.

Now, with the end of 2022 approaching, Aldi is still struggling to find viable solutions for the trickier elements of packaging items including soak pads for fresh meat and laminated paper for block cheese and butter.

“We have made significant progress since setting this target and we are pleased the packaging on 99% of our own-label products is now recyclable, reusable or compostable,” an Aldi spokesman told The Grocer.

“We are committed to reducing our environmental impact in any way we can and are continuing to explore more sustainable packaging alternatives for the very small number of remaining products.”

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