Aldi to roll out refill stations to more UK stores ‘within six months’ following successful trial
Refill dispensers are set to be introduced within six months
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Aldi will offer customers the option to use refill stations at select stores within six months following a successful trial.
The sustainable move will see standardised vessels brought to stores before being added to dispensers on the shop floor. The supermarket has not yet confirmed which stores will introduce the new system.
Customers can use a paper bag or recipient purchased in-store to bring a desired amount of any product home.
The solution is being implemented in supermarkets across the UK in a nationwide bid to cut back on plastic consumption.
Refill stations will help customers shop more sustainably
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Asda, Morrisons and M&S are among several supermarkets giving shoppers the option to purchase packaging-free groceries.
The grocers are members of the Refill Coalition group, managed by GoUnpackaged, a company that runs refill stations in independent stores and chains.
The refill hubs sell dry goods, including pasta, rice, seeds, grains, nuts and dried fruits.
Other personal care products such as washing up liquids, shampoo and handwash can be refilled with the dispensers.
Aldi stated on its website that “refill products are available in selected stores only and are not available to purchase through Click & Collect”.
GoUnpackaged director Helen Clements told The Grocer that initial sales at refill stations ‘exceeded’ the store’s expectations.
She said: “That is massive because typically in these refill trials equipment fails. As if equipment isn’t working for the day, customers will be unlikely to make the effort again.”
It comes as Lidl is gradually switching from paper pricing tags to electronic shelf labels in a bid to cut back on ink and paper waste.
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Aldi has yet to confirm which stores will introduce refill stations first
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The scheme supports efforts to gradually cut down on carbon emissions while helping bolster store operations.
By introducing electronic shelf labels in all stores by the end of the year, Lidl hopes employees will spend less time updating paper price tags, which colleagues have previously described as tedious.
The scheme will, in turn, help workers allocate more time to help customers and restock shelves.
Isaac Ekpenyong, director of sales organisation at Lidl GB said: “Making changes to how we operate, no matter how big or small, allows us to enhance the overall experience for those shopping with us.”