Aldi swaps trays for bags in bid to reduce meat plastic

A move by a major supermarket to reduce the plastic content in its meat wrappings has left shoppers divided.

New mincemeat packaging from Aldi aimed at reducing plastic has divided shoppers.

After a successful trial late last year, more of the supermarket giant’s meat products will now come in bags rather than trays.

Aldi claims the move will reduce the amount of plastic in its meat packaging by 70%.

The change comes as part of Aldi’s commitment to reduce all plastic packaging in its stores by 25% by the end of 2025.

Aldi has started swapping trays for bags in its meat products, dividing shoppers. Picture: Facebook

Some shoppers were full of praise for the move and said they hoped other supermarkets took note.

“The main difference is no thick plastic base, just wrapped in a sealed plastic bag,” one enthusiastic man wrote on the Aldi Fans Australia Facebook group.

“I hope they continue to do this with the rest of their meat packaging and just as importantly others such as Coles and Woolworths follow suit. Well done Aldi!”, another said.

Others said they were glad for the change as it would help to clear up fridge space.

“This is perfect. I only have a small freezer and have to take my meat out of the plastic trays and put in freezer bags so it fits. Such a waste,” one woman said.

The supermarket giant says the move is just one part of its aim to drastically reduce plastic in its stores. Picture: Supplied

Some shoppers were sceptical of the move however, especially in light of the recent controversies over soft plastic recycling.

Australian supermarkets are reportedly still dealing with a backlog of thousands of tonnes of soft plastics after the REDcycle scheme aimed at recycling them collapsed late last year.

“Not great. The thick plastic tray is recyclable and top plastic film was much thinner. This new package in 100 per cent not recyclable. Let’s hope others don’t follow,” said one irritated customer.

“I think you at least could recycle the plastic tray. There is nowhere to recycle any soft plastics anymore,” another agreed.

An Aldi spokesperson explained to the Daily Mail how the bags used less plastic than the old trays.

“By removing the traditional rigid tray found in meat products, the new flexible flow-wrap packaging on our Jindurra Station 2 Star Beef Mince provides a minimum 70 per cent reduction in plastic,” they said.

“This new packaging also removes the need for additional printed labels, allowing us to print information directly on the pack, as well as reduces the carbon footprint of transporting the product to our stores.

“Every little bit adds up and it’s all part of our mission to make a good difference.”

Originally published as Aldi swaps trays for bags in bid to reduce meat plastic