Budget supermarket chain Aldi has introduced a new tracking system offering 'full visibility' of its recycling process of flexible plastic packaging collected from customers.  

By leveraging an AI-based evidence system, eco2Veritas, the retailer can now monitor and verify the journey of these materials from store collection points through the UK's recycling system. 

This system, developed by Greenback Recycling Technologies, tracks and certifies the volume of flexible plastic gathered at the retailer’s stores, detailing the sorting process into specific polymers and the subsequent reprocessing into new products.  

Aldi UK's plastic and packaging director Luke Emery said: “We are committed to tackling plastic waste. We know this is an issue that matters to our customers too, which is why we’re working with the Flexible Plastic Fund to further improve the recycling of flexible plastics collected in our stores.” 

Last month, Aldi secured its first certificate from eco2Veritas, which confirmed the recycling of 62 tonnes (t) of in-scope polyethylene (PE) and 25t of in-scope polypropylene (PP). 

Annually, Aldi says it collects approximately 300t of post-consumer flexible plastic packaging.  

This material, collected at Aldi’s front-of-store collection points, is then transported to Jayplas, a plastics recycler.  

Jayplas sorts this material into the two main polymers, PE and PP, which are then pelletised.  

The recycled PE is transformed into refuse sacks while the PP is used to manufacture crates and trays. 

Last month, Aldi announced a trial of double toilet rolls to cut its plastic waste and reduce the number of delivery lorries it requires.