Aldi has pledged to use only recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging for its own-label products by 2022, joining a growing list of supermarket retailers that recently declared war on plastics.

The move comes months after the UK Government announced its plan to abolish all avoidable plastic waste by 2042.

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Within this framework, the retailer is planning to stop selling its 5p bags in order to curb plastic packaging across its businesses.

As a result, customers will be offered bags for life, as well as reusable 9p bags manufactured from plastic waste coming from the company’s back-of-store operations.

The supermarket retailer further backed the UK Government’s proposal for the creation of a national deposit return scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles.

“While we cannot do this alone, we are committed to doing all we can to lead the way and to bring our customers on this journey with us.”

The company has formed a task force that will focus on innovation in packaging, new initiatives and will report on the progress made every year.

Aldi UK and Ireland CEO Matthew Barnes said: “Our customers trust us not only to offer them high-quality products at unbeatable prices, but to help them lead healthier, better lives.

“That includes reducing waste, particularly around unnecessary packaging and plastics that damage the environment we live in.

“While we cannot do this alone, and call on others to collaborate with us and others to drive change industry-wide, we are committed to doing all we can to lead the way and to bring our customers on this journey with us.”

Aldi also recently joined several other organisations in supporting sustainable waste management charity group WRAP and its upcoming, cross-sector plan to mitigate plastic pollution and streamline industry practices.

WRAP CEO Marcus Gover said: “Through WRAP’s new ambitious, cross-sector initiative, which will be unveiled soon, we will work together with governments, citizens and business to transform the way we make, use and dispose of plastic so that we retain its value, particularly in reducing food waste, but prevent it from polluting the environment.”