Aldi makes major change to the way it sells fruit to cut back on plastic use - how this will affect shoppers

Today, Aldi announced that it will be removing the plastic packaging on its bananas in a trial across selected stores in the North East, Yorkshire, the South West, the South East and the Midlands.

The change will see the scrapping of a traditional plastic bag for a paper band alternative on selected lines, including its Nature’s Pick five-pack, midi bananas and the Organic six-pack.

As for its intended impact, Aldi said: "If successful, the change would help to remove an estimated 234 tonnes of plastic packaging per year."

Plastics and packaging director at Aldi, Luke Emery, said: "At Aldi, we know how important reducing plastic is to our customers, colleagues and the future of the planet.

"We are constantly reviewing ways we can do this, and our latest trial on bananas is another great step on that journey."

This also comes as Aldi changes the packaging on a household cleaning product in all UK stores to red on waste.

The supermarket shared: "The move is the latest in a number of plastic and packaging-reduction initiatives by the supermarket.

"Aldi is introducing thinner bags for its onions, which will save 13 tonnes of plastic annually.

"It is also replacing the current non-recyclable packaging on its Specially Selected West Country and Yorkshire block butter with a paper-based alternative wrap which can be recycled at home, helping to remove more than 10 tonnes of non-recyclable packaging from circulation each year."

This year, Aldi launched paper packaging for own-brand wines in a UK supermarket first.

Speaking about this innovation, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, Julie Ashfield, said: "Shoppers are striving to become more sustainable in their everyday lives, looking for small ways to make a big difference for our planet.

“We are proud to be the first supermarket to launch an own-brand paper bottle.”

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In recent news, Aldi introduced an "irresistible" and "tantalising" £4 lunch dish. The supermarket described it as the "ultimate Japanese-inspired lunch dish".

The supermarket's brand-new Poke Bowls (£3.69, 300g) will hit shelves today, on June 20.

Aldi said: "Both dishes come packed with delicious poke staple ingredients including edamame beans, pickled cabbage and fluffy rice."