Why Aldi is the worst offender at this one thing
The use of plastic packaging in supermarkets is the most trending topic at this current moment, with supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths constantly under fire for their environmentally damaging ways.
But this time, critics have hit back at Aldi, a supermarket that has always charged for plastic bags. However, this time it isn’t their bag policy that’s causing a stir. Instead, the German giant is being criticised for its plastic-wrapped fruit and veg.
While all supermarkets wrap their produce in cling wrap, Aldi seems to be the worst offender with having the highest amount of plastic covered fruit than any other supermarket.
Speaking to news.com.au, Aldi said that while they were committed to minimising the use of plastic, their current practices help their stores run more efficiently.
ABC’s War on Waste program, host Craig Reucassel, teamed up with a group of activists as they took part in a so-called “plastic-attack".
Anita Horan – one of the campaigners, took Reucassel to her local Aldi.
“So, we have two types of cut celery both sealed in plastic and I don’t see any loose celery at all, so they are forcing you to buy plastic,” she said.
Alongside that was a three-pack of avocados wrapped in plastic, with Ms Horan highlighting the wasteful nature of bulk buy packs.
“A lot of people say it increases your food waste because you have to buy half a kilo and I might only want a few grams.”
Produce such as corn cobs, iceberg lettuce and zucchini were just some of the few veggies that were covered in plastic packaging.
“I bet this is about being quick at the till. They don’t care about [the plastic] and then that pile at the end was enormous,” said Reucassel about the issue.
Aldi is known for efficiency, so Reucassel’s theory has been backed by the head of Aldi Australia, Tom Daunt.
“It adds a tiny amount of incremental cost to add packaging, but it keeps the product fresher and it keeps customer’s hands off,” he told Nine last year. It’s also easier to stack plastic cartons on shelves, and the plastic packaging ensures that staff can scan produce instead of weighing it.
In the end, the quicker the till service, the less staff you need, and wages are a large cost for any company.
While Woolworths and Coles are also guilty of this practice, the key difference is that plastic-free produce is readily available at the two supermarkets.
An Aldi spokeswoman told news.com.au that the company is looking into ways to be more environmentally friendly.
“We are actively focused on reducing our reliance on plastics. As a first step, we are working to improve packaging solutions that include greater use of recyclables and recycled content,” she said.
“The packaging of our fresh produce helps with the product quality and preservation, as well as the efficiency of our operations. For example, the packaging protects product, extends its shelf life and enables a more efficient checkout experience.
“We are working towards improving our practices and will continue to reduce reliance on packaging. Over the coming years, our customers can expect to see changes in our stores that reflect our commitment to protecting the environment.”
Do you prefer your produce wrapped in plastic or do you buy them loose? Let us know in the comments below.