Shoppers come together to compare notes about their go-to supermarkets.

Some shoppers may settle with comparing product offerings. However, other shoppers also look at other factors.

A supermarket giant, which was once praised for its commitment to sustainability, came under scrutiny after a significant step backwards.


ALDI Australia has been a favourite among Australian shoppers, including seniors who appreciate value for money without compromising quality.

However, the latest in-store developments have left many feeling let down by the brand, which once paved the way for eco-friendly practices.

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) released its Unwrapped 2024 audit, which painted a concerning picture of supermarkets, especially ALDI.


The audit, which assesses the nation's major supermarkets on their plastic reduction efforts, placed ALDI at the bottom of the list.

ALDI's current position was in stark contrast to 2023, when they were the leading brand in terms of sustainability.

This alarming revelation sparked a conversation about the importance of corporate responsibility and the role these large companies should play in protecting the environment.


ALDI's fall from grace represented a broader issue of transparency and accountability in the retail sector.

The audit also evaluated supermarkets based on several criteria, including overall plastic reduction, transparency, commitments to plastic-free alternatives, and progress on reusable packaging.

ALDI's low ranking should be a wake-up call for the industry as it highlighted the urgent need for stronger industry accountability and government action.

Tara Jones, the Packaging Program Manager at AMCS, expressed her dismay at the supermarket's regression.

'ALDI once led Australia's supermarkets in reducing plastic packaging and publishing information on its plastic packaging use, and it's disappointing that it has fallen behind the rest of the field so quickly,' Ms Jones lamented.

'The low scores in our audit show that supermarkets have much work to do to cut down on plastic use, so any drop in score is alarming.'


'Woolworths, Coles and Metcash all improved their scores, albeit slowly, but ALDI is notable for going backwards,' Ms Jones added.

In response to the audit results, ALDI proceeded to highlight its ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste.

According to an ALDI spokesperson, 'packaging more sustainable has always been important' to the company.

'We report each year on the progress we make on our sustainability goals—84.1 per cent of ALDI's exclusive brand packaging is now recyclable, reusable or compostable, which reflects our dedication to minimising waste across the whole supply chain,' the spokesperson added.

'ALDI Australia is also an endorser of the Global Plastics Treaty to End Plastic Pollution.'


Despite these claims, the lack of detailed reporting and transparency left many eco-conscious shoppers sceptical.

The AMCS audit found no evidence of ALDI cutting its overall plastic use.

In addition, the absence of clear data in its latest sustainability report raised questions about the supermarket's commitment to its targets.

These findings were a step back not only for ALDI but for the Australian retail industry, which is already lagging behind its international counterparts.

It's understandable that you expect the same level of commitment from the stores where you shop.

The question now is whether ALDI will listen to the concerns of its customers and take meaningful steps to regain its position as a leader in sustainability.
Have you noticed changes in the packaging at your local supermarkets? Are you concerned about the environmental impact of plastic waste? Share your thoughts and opinions about this report in the comments section.