ALDI is launching its own 100% recyclable freezer bag, becoming the first UK supermarket to do so – and it is a product manufactured by Sirane.
From next week, the bags will be trialled in over 230 stores in parts of the East Midlands, Yorkshire, the North East, North West and South East of England.
The ‘eco’ freezer bags are made out of a fully recyclable polyethylene (95%) and seafood waste (5%) – known as shell waste – and are the only own-brand 100% recyclable freezer bags offered by a supermarket in the UK.
Retailing at 99p, the thermally insulated bags are also treated with an antimicrobial agent proven to inhibit the growth of common types of bacteria and mould.
If the trial is successful, the bags will be rolled out to all of Aldi’s 900 UK stores.
Chris McKenry, plastics and packaging director at Aldi UK, said: “It’s more important than ever to strike a balance between reducing single-use plastic and maintaining food hygiene.
“Thanks to its antimicrobial qualities, this recyclable freezer bag enables us to continue on our mission to eradicate unnecessary non-recyclable materials while also offering customers a more hygienic way of storing and transporting food.
“Our promise to always offer quality at unbeatable prices goes beyond just great food – it’s about catering to the needs of our customers in every way we can, and a rapidly-growing number of those who shop with us want to do so sustainably without breaking the bank.”
The trial of the freezer bag is the latest in a number of positive steps taken by Aldi in its quest to become an even more sustainable retailer.
Aldi is also working towards 100% of its own label packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2022, and for brands by 2025.
Sirane’s thermally insulated bags are re-usable and recyclable. The whole bag, including handle and insulation, is made from just one type of plastic – meaning the bag can be easily recycled when it comes to the end of its usefulness.
We can supply a range of different sizes and levels of insulation, as well as both plain and custom branded. Aldi’s bag incorporates Biomaster, an anti-microbial additive impregnated into the film, which offers protection against bacterial build-up.
Simon Balderson, Sirane MD, said: “Well done to Aldi for being the first supermarket to get this product into their stores. These thermally insulated bags – or freezer bags as Aldi has dubbed them – are a great bag for the consumer.
“Not only do they keep the food chilled, but they offer long-term protection against food poisoning caused by bacterial build up in the bag. And they can be used again and again – before eventually being recycled kerbside.”
Sirane is an innovative packaging development-to-manufacture company, with expertise in absorbency and material science. Specialisms include bags and pouches, absorbent products, shelf-life extension and dual-ovenable products.
It has four main divisions: food packaging; medical & healthcare; horticultural and industrial. The company is based in Telford, Shropshire, with additional manufacturing in Guadalajara (Mexico) and Moscow (Russia).
