New initiative gives staff the opportunity to buy products that can’t be sold in stores
Aldi has launched Colleague Shops across the country to give warehouse operations and office staff the chance to buy products that can’t be sold in stores, as part of its push to reduce food waste.
The discounter explained that the scheme ensures products that are still perfectly good to consume find a home instead of going to waste, and is expected to prevent an estimated 240 tonnes of food waste each year.
Following a successful trial at the Darlington regional distribution centre (RDC), Colleague Shops are now being rolled out across all of Aldi’s 11 RDCs nationwide.
Luke Emery, national sustainability director at Aldi UK, said: “The Colleague Shop is another example of how we’re working to cut food waste across our operations. It’s a practical initiative that benefits both colleagues and the environment, and we’re pleased to extend it nationwide following a successful pilot.”
Aldi pointed out that in 2022, it reduced food waste within its operations by 57 per cent compared to 2017, successfully meeting its 2030 target eight years ahead of schedule.
Following the milestone, the company revised its goal and is now aiming to reduce food waste by 90 per cent by 2030, against a 2017 baseline.
