Aldi is trialling 12 new loose fruit and vegetable lines in a bid to reduce unnecessary packaging.

In select stores across the north of England, items including parsnips, carrots, broccoli, brown onions, red onions, ginger, pears, salad tomatoes, limes, lemons, oranges and garlic will be available to buy loose.

Stores in County Durham, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear will take part in the trial this month.

If rolled out across all stores, the move will see the discount grocer remove an estimated 445 tonnes of unnecessary packaging per year.

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Aldi national sustainability director Luke Emery said: “We are constantly looking for new ways to reduce unnecessary packaging and this trial is another example of the significant steps we’re taking in this area.

“By trialling these packaging-free produce lines, we hope this encourages customers to make more environmentally friendly choices when shopping in store. By helping shoppers to buy only what they need, we’re not just reducing packaging, but helping to cut food waste too.”

Wrap director of behaviour change and business programmes Catherine David added: “Wrap’s ambition is for 50% of uncut fruit and veg to be sold loose by the end of 2030 so It’s fantastic to see Aldi selling more loose produce.

“A household of four throws away on average £1,000 of food each year, costing the planet’s precious resources, and people’s pockets. By selling more items loose, people will be able to buy only what they need, save money and cut the use of single use packaging – a real win-win-win.”