Discount grocer Aldi has launched the UK’s first supermarket own-brand flat, fully-recycled plastic wine bottles.
Made from 100% recycled PET, the new bottles weigh just 63g, making them seven times lighter than a standard glass bottle and and removing 42 tonnes of bottle weight for the initial launch alone.
Despite being much lighter, Aldi claims the new bottles are also seven times stronger, as well as being shatterproof.
The new compact design optimises space both in storage and on the shelf, meaning 30% more bottles can be loaded onto pallets for transporting, which will also reduce the number lorries being used to transport the wine by just under a third.
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Aldi managing director of buying Julie Ashfield said: “We know shoppers are looking for greener, more sustainable products and our aim is to continue to deliver this, whilst offering great value and enhanced functionality.
“We’re pleased to be taking the next step in expanding our recyclable, eco-friendly range.”
Alongside the new plastic bottles, Aldi is also looking to reduce the average bottle weight of all wines across its range by 8% by 2025.
The packaging, developed in partnership with Packamama, will be used across two products – Chapter & Verse Shiraz and Chapter & Verse Chardonnay. The supermarket’s Chassaux et Fils Mediterranee Rose will also launch as a recycled PET bottle.
Earlier this month Aldi rolled out paper wine bottles in a bid to offer “greener choices” and “drive sustainable change”.
