ALDI Australia Launches its Inaugural Sustainability Progress Report

ALDI Australia has launched its inaugural Sustainability Progress Report, a review and update of its progress on initiatives that positively impact the environment, its customers and people and the communities in which it operates.

The report is the first time ALDI has consolidated details of the work it has undertaken to power its operations with 100% renewable electricity, reduce and improve recyclability of plastic packaging on its shelves, as well as delivering on its zero-waste commitment. The Report will act as a benchmark for future progress assessments.

ALDI Australia’s Director Corporate Responsibility, Daniel Baker, noted that sustainability has become a fundamental part of business decision-making at the company, and the time was right to collate the many environmental and social commitments made, and the progress achieved in each.

“We have made it our mission to offer ALDI customers quality products that make sustainability affordable. That means sustainability is central to every business decision we take, ensuring our contribution to the health and well-being of our customers, our communities, our people and the planet, have a long-lasting and positive impact.”

In 2021, ALDI became the first Australian supermarket to achieve its 100% renewable electricity target, six months ahead of schedule. Every one of its stores, offices and warehouses is now powered by renewable electricity, reducing  the brand’s carbon emissions by 85% or 244,000 tonnes per year. All, while still saving Aussie families up to $2,468 on their groceries per year*.

“As one of Australia’s largest grocery retailers, we recognise we have an essential role to play in supporting the country’s transition to renewable energy sources,” continued Mr Baker.

“By procuring a 10-year power-purchase agreement with local companies, we are ensuring we meet our own 100% renewable electricity needs whilst proudly supporting the growth of the Australian renewable energy sector.”

The Sustainability Progress Report highlights ALDI’s work in partnership with business partners through the supply chain. ALDI’s reduction of plastics and introduction of sustainable packaging means that by the end of 2025, all its own-label packaging will be 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable. By the end of 2025, it will reduce its plastics packaging by 25% as compared to 2019.

Other key initiatives and achievements include:

• ALDI was the first and is the only Australian supermarket to be powered by 100% renewable electricity
• ALDI’s commitment to zero waste to landfill by 2025 is on track, with 80% of that target now delivered.
• ALDI was the first Australian supermarket to start removing plastic straws from drinks cartons
• ALDI was the first Australian supermarket to remove single use plastic tableware from its shelves and the first to replace plastic cotton buds with a paper-stemmed version
• ALDI has never offered single use plastics carrier bags
• All ALDI paper and pulp-based products are certified sustainable or use 100% recycled materials
• ALDI was the first Australian supermarket to launch a battery recycling program

All of this is being achieved while never wavering from ALDI’s mission to deliver Australians the best value groceries. ALDI’s good different ethos of everyday low prices has seen the supermarket save its customers $2.7 billion in 2021, with savings of up to $2,468 a year* for the average Australian family who shop at ALDI. With cost of living a top concern for shoppers, it is this concept of affordable responsibility that means customers never have to choose between doing the right thing for the planet or community and benefiting their back packet.

“Some of our customers might be surprised to know that we have never sold tobacco in our Australian stores. Or that we were the first Australian supermarket to introduce reusable crates, a battery recycling program and to remove artificial colouring and added-MSG from our food products,” said Daniel Baker. “By consolidating these initiatives through this Report, we have highlighted the progress we have made so far, as well as the size of the task ahead of us.”

ALDI’s focus on giving back has seen the business donate nearly 49 million meals since 2016 to support those in need and contribute 8.3 million meals in 2021 alone. ALDI has raised $2.25 million for its national charity partner, Camp Quality, which has helped 3,800 kids facing cancer attend a Camp Quality camp.

The Sustainability Progress Report further showcases ALDI’s focus on responsible sourcing with 100% of the grocers’ cocoa and tea products now certified; 100% of its fish and seafood products responsibility sourced; and it has committed to using 100% sustainable cotton for its ALDI exclusive garments and household textiles, by 2025.

ALDI’s Australia-First sourcing approach means 100% of its fresh meat, eggs, bread, milk, salmon and poultry is locally sourced and 97% of its fruit and vegetables are sourced from Australian farms. By developing enduring partnerships with Aussie farmers and business partners, the grocer supports the longevity of the supply of local, quality produce and enhances the livelihoods of those it relies on most.

You can read ALDI Australia’s inaugural Sustainability Progress Report, here.

*When purchasing equivalent branded products at the nearest competitor, ALDI Australia’s Price Report 2022