Aldi has completely eliminated plastic shopping bags from its 2,300+ U.S. stores, a move that the company estimates will prevent nearly 9 million pounds of plastic from going into circulation each year. Additionally, Aldi will transition to the use of natural refrigerants in all U.S. stores by 2035, building on the supermarket retailer’s use of environmentally friendly refrigerants in more than 600 stores.
“As one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, we take our responsibility to lead the industry in sustainability seriously, so our customers don’t have to choose between shopping responsibly and saving money,” said Jason Hart, CEO at Aldi in a statement. “Eliminating plastic shopping bags from our stores and transitioning to environmentally friendly refrigerant systems not only help us protect the environment, but they also help reduce costs which we then pass on to our customers.”
Aldi’s purchasing strategy for refrigerants will incorporate the best solution for each region of the country’s distinct climate, including both carbon dioxide and propane refrigerants. The retailer received the EPA’s GreenChill Store Certification Excellence recognition again in 2023.
“Aldi continually shows its commitment to the environment by minimizing refrigerant emissions at stores, including the 109 stores that have been recertified in 2023 for the fifth year in a row at the platinum level,” said Cindy Newberg, Stratospheric Protection Division Director at the EPA in a statement. “Aldi is leading the way with over 600 GreenChill certified stores, a GreenChill record.”
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Additionally, the retailer’s Asia buying office recently adopted technology that could make its supply chains more efficient and sustainable.
