Keen to ban the over-use of plastic in their stores and just a week after it was announced that Aldi would be charging for their fruit and vegetable bags in their German stores, it seems there are now plans to introduce the same rule in Australia.
There is a lot of talk about the bargain supermarket giant starting with a charge of 1¢ per bag in their Australian stores, as part of a push to reduce plastic waste.
Shopper Naomi broke the news on the Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook page, claiming that Aldi Australia had confirmed the news during correspondence with another closed Facebook group. “Just an FYI. Aldi is bringing in a 1¢ charge for their plastic produce bags so start bringing your own bags (I always do anyway. Nude fruit and veg for the win!) 1¢ isn’t a lot but over a year it will add up if you use the bags.”
The news comes after Aldi in Germany revealed plans to charge a “symbolic cent” in order to make customers rethink their use of smaller plastic bags. It’s believed that the German stores will start offering nets and reusable alternatives to shoppers for holding their fruit and veg later in the year.
Perthnow.com.au reports that while Aldi is committed to making the change for environmental reasons, the news has sparked mixed reviews on social media.