Aldi has removed all plastic packaging from its own-label four-pack beers and ciders to reduce plastic waste.

The previous plastic shrink wrap and rings will be replaced with a cardboard alternative that is fully recyclable at home.

The change will remove 95 tonnes of plastic packaging per year and forms part of the discounters’ efforts to reduce its environmental impact and develop alternative packaging for its products.

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Aldi plastics and packaging director Luke Emery said: “Minimising plastic waste is important to both Aldi and our customers, and we are always looking for ways to adapt our packaging.

“Moving our beer and cider to card packaging is another step in our fight against unwanted plastic.”

In May, Aldi switched to fully recyclable own-label handwash packaging and removed single-use cutlery from its food-to-go range in September.

Last month, the discount grocer also launched a pilot refill trial with The UK Refill Coalition in an Aldi store in Solihull.

The solution – a reusable bulk vessel – has been developed to deliver refills at scale for key food staples such as pasta and cereals, and household products – allowing retailers to sell refill products at a cheaper price than their packaged equivalents.