Aldi will switch to paper and compostable carrier bags but they will cost up to 19p each

• The German chain will run a two month trial before rolling it out to 830 stores
• Despite a push to help the environment it will continue to sell 9p plastic bags 
• Aldi estimates it will save around 1,300 tonnes of plastic a year with the scheme

Supermarket chain Aldi is set to introduce paper and compostable bags – but the new carriers will set consumers back 19p each.

From July the cut price stores will be offering paper bags in half their shops, with the rest offering compostable ones.

The German chain has implemented a two month-trial, and at the end of the test the most popular option amongst savvy shoppers will be rolled out across its 830 branches.

Despite the push to be more environmentally friendly, the store will continue to offer 9p plastic bags.

Aldi (pictured above) will still be selling 9p plastic carrier bags but is set to save around 1,300 tonnes of waste 

The chain estimates that it will save around 1,300 tonnes of plastic a year with the new initiative, which is equivalent to 33.3million carrier bags.

It is also said to be in discussions to roll out a reusable cotton bad this summer, and another that will be made from ‘back of store waste’.

It has not yet been revealed what the new bags will look like, but they will be strong enough to carry up to 11kg of groceries.

The compostable bags will be made from biodegradable material called Bioplast, will cost 6p and will compost within 12 months, in either food waste bins or garden compost.

Fritz Walleczek, from Aldi, said: ‘Reducing the amount of plastic we produce is fundamental to our commitment to being a sustainable and environmentally responsible business.

‘This new trial is one of the biggest we have ever launched because we want our customers to be involved and help us make the right decision for them and the environment.’

Just last week Sainsbury’s also revealed plans for an innovative recycling scheme which will see shoppers paid 5p for every plastic bottle they return – it also said it would axe the use of plastic to wrap fruit and vegetables.

This is while Waitrose has since launched a plastic free packaging trial for food items such as cereal and pasta. Following in the steps of Morrison’s which since May, has allowed customers to bring in their own containers for fresh meat and fish.

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