Budget supermarket chain Aldi UK is set to launch new packaging, underscoring higher welfare for all fresh chickens that will be sold. 

The packaging update, which will roll out on 30 October, is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare.  

Aldi announced new stocking density requirements for its fresh chicken suppliers in July this year to enhance their quality of life. 

The retailer’s fresh chicken sourced from British farms now contains 20% more space compared to the industry standard. 

According to Aldi, this enables each animal to have more space to engage in natural behaviours such as stretching wings, roaming, and dust bathing.  

Aldi UK Buying managing director Julie Ashfield said: “Animal welfare is of paramount importance to us, and we've been working hard with our suppliers to reduce stocking density to help us improve the welfare conditions for chickens. 

“We’re already one of the UK’s largest providers of chicken and we’re proud that from next week, we can offer our customers access to higher welfare chicken at our unbeatable Aldi value.”  

The new initiative is also part of Aldi's broader commitment to ethical practices, following its achievement of selling 100% cage-free eggs well ahead of its target date.  

The supermarket chain has also taken significant steps to reduce its plastic footprint by eliminating plastic windows and trays from several savoury goods lines.   

In July this year, Aldi UK enhanced its sustainability by introducing paper packaging for its Everyday Essentials Porridge Oats product across all stores in the country.