Budget supermarket chain Aldi UK has introduced own-brand flat recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) wine bottles, aligning with Global Recycling Day on 18 March.  

The retailer's Chapter & Verse Shiraz and Chardonnay, priced at £5.25 ($6.66) for a 75cl bottle, are now available in its stores nationwide.  

The bottles are made entirely from rPET and weigh 63g, which is nearly seven times lighter than traditional glass bottles and are also shatterproof, making them suitable for outdoor events. 

The introduction of these bottles is set to remove 42 tonnes (t) of bottle weight, showcasing Aldi's commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its products.  

The design allows for 30% more bottles per pallet, thereby reducing the number of lorries needed for transportation by 30%. 

This not only eases the load for shoppers but also significantly cuts carbon emissions. 

Aldi UK Buying managing director Julie Ashfield said: "We know shoppers are looking for greener, more sustainable products and our aim is to continue to deliver this, whilst offering great value and enhanced functionality. We’re pleased to be taking the next step in expanding our recyclable, eco-friendly range." 

Aldi has collaborated with Packamama, which specialises in climate-friendly packaging solutions for the drinks industry, for the design.  

The retailer also unveiled its Chassaux et Fils Méditerranée Rosé in a rPET bottle.  

This bottle is eight times lighter than the average 75cl glass bottle and is expected to eliminate an additional 18.15t of bottle weight.  

In a broader sustainability effort, Aldi is working towards reducing the average weight of all its still wine bottles by 8% by 2025. 

Recently, the supermarket chain partnered with sustainable packaging company Frugalpac to introduce what is claimed to be the UK’s first supermarket own-brand paper wine bottles.