Batavia-Based ALDI Becomes 1st Major Retailer To Ban Plastic Bags

Batavia IL

04 May, 2022

11:50 AM

Description

BATAVIA, IL — ALDI, a family-owned discount supermarket chain with its U.S. corporate headquarters in Batavia, announced it will be the first major U.S. retailer to eliminate the use of all plastic shopping bags in its stores. While the company has already nixed its use of plastic bags in about 500 stores, it plans to phase them out in all 2,200 stores by 2023, CEO Jason Hart said in an announcement made in April during Earth Day month. "You might have heard that last year, ALDI was named the most sustainable grocery store in America," he wrote in his letter. "We're proud of this recognition and to be leading the way, pushing the industry forward on sustainability practices. Being a leader means we don't just throw out lofty goals without holding ourselves accountable." The move, according to the CEO, will remove about 4,400 tons of plastic from circulation each year. "In March 2021, we announced a set of ambitious, science-based goals to support our planet's resources and the people who depend on them," Hart said. In the year since setting Earth-friendly goals, the company has implemented changes that made more than 62 percent of ALDI-exclusive packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable, according to its progress report. ALDI stores also offer reusable straws as well as sandwich and snack bags "so customers can 'purchase with a purpose.'" "Together with support from customers like you and our employees, we've made significant strides towards meeting our goals," the CEO said.