Aldi is trialling a blister pack recycling scheme for its own-label medicines in what it calls a “UK supermarket first”.
Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket is working with recycling firm TerraCycle to encourage customers to recycle their empty medicine packets made from plastic and aluminium foil.
Commenting on the trial, Luke Emery, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi UK, said: “We are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and continue to look for new ways to promote recycling wherever possible.
“We hope our customers will get involved in the trial and embrace this new way of recycling their empty blister packets.”
Aldi says TerraCycle will convert the materials, which would otherwise be disposed of in general waste, into a recycled raw material that can then be used in the production of new products – such as nuts and bolts from the aluminium, or plastic waste bins and outdoor furniture.
We hope our customers will get involved in the trial and embrace this new way of recycling their empty blister packets.
The trial is running nationwide and will help Aldi assess customer demand for the recycling solution. Aldi customers can send empty blister packs via any Royal Mail Post Office or post box in an envelope with a Freepost shipping label, which can be accessed via the Aldi website.
A limit of two envelopes per month per customer has been applied as part of the trial.
Julien Tremblin, General Manager, TerraCycle Europe, commented: “The removal of pharmaceutical packaging from landfill and incineration remains a key focus.
“We are delighted to work with Aldi on this new medicine blister pack recycling scheme, which will enable the creation of a more circular plastic packaging chain.”
Aldi was also the first supermarket member of the Podback recycling scheme, which helps customers recycle their used coffee, tea and hot chocolate pods.
