Aldi is trialling a blister pack recycling scheme for its own-label medicines in a UK supermarket first.
The supermarket is working with recycling firm TerraCycle to convert the materials into a recycled raw material which 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.
Currently, blister packs can’t be recycled at kerbside and are being disposed of in general waste. Through the nationwide trail, Aldi customers can send their empty blister packs via post.
Aldi plastics and packaging director Luke Emery said the supermarket is “committed” to reducing environmental impact and “continues 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,” added Emery.
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TerraCycle Europe general manager Julien Tremblin 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.”
WRAP senior special Adam Herriott said: “Blister packs are a product that cannot currently be recycled at the kerbside and are instead disposed of in general waste, so we fully support this trial.
“Being able to recycle this type of packaging into raw material, which can then be used for new products, is something we and our UK Plastics Pact members are working hard to achieve on a range of difficult-to-recycle plastics. We look forward to seeing the results of the trial.”
Aldi was also the first supermarket member of the Podback recycling scheme, which helps customers to recycle their used coffee, tea and hot chocolate pods.
