Supermarket chain Aldi UK has transitioned to 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) packaging for its own-brand washing-up liquid. 

The rPET bottles will be introduced on its standard Magnum, Antibacterial, and Magnum Classic one-litre variants, excluding caps and labels.  

This move is part of Aldi's commitment to include 50% recycled content in its plastic packaging by 2025 and is expected to save more than 500 tonnes (t) of virgin plastic annually.

The supermarket chain has also reduced the weight of these bottles, which will result in an additional annual saving of 106t of plastic.  

This launch aligns with Aldi's broader sustainability goals and follows its recent transition to 100% rPET for all own-brand soft drinks and bottled water products in England and Wales. 

Furthermore, the retailer has cut the packaging weight of its Almat So Soft fabric conditioners, which is set to save another 50t of plastic every year. 

Aldi assures that this reduction in plastic usage will not impact the quantity of the product offered to customers.  

Aldi UK plastics and packaging director Luke Emery said: "At Aldi, we know that our customers are becoming increasingly concerned about the environment, and cutting back on plastic usage is just as important to them as it is to us. 

"While the challenge of plastic packaging is significant across the industry, we are committed to minimising our impact wherever we can. Transitioning to recycled materials in our washing-up liquid range and lowering the weight of our fabric conditioners are just two examples of our ongoing efforts to do so." 

Earlier this month, Aldi introduced a new recyclable wrap for two of its own-label butter products, a move claimed to be a first for a UK supermarket.