Many countries globally are embarking on a journey to transit their countries to a clean energy place. It is a goal that has been running for years, but 2021 marks a time in history when change seems closer than before. Aldi focuses on several initiatives aiming to lower emissions, reduce waste, and improve recycling technologies to impact the environment by the end of the decade positively.
The initiatives are part of the German discount grocer’s sustainability charter, including putting up the necessary effort to reduce greenhouse emissions by 26% in the next four years. How is this goal achievable? It involves a continued shift to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. They can also attain these goals by creating renewable infrastructure and making the company independent on grey power grids.
Aldi currently owns solar panels in over 111 stores 12 distribution areas countrywide. Their new sustainable goal involves adding solar warehouses in Kansas and Alabama and develop about 60 stores by 2022. When it comes to where Aldi sources its power, it gets power energy through the Green-e Certification program. It gets renewable energy certifications to validate its clean energy investment.
Besides, nearly 400 stores and all Aldi warehouses in the United States utilize natural refrigerants to reduce the negative environmental impact by 4,000 times compared to common refrigerants. The company plans on shifting to natural refrigerants in all the Aldi stores. The CEO of Aldi US, Jason Hart, commented on the sustainability goals target, claiming that they are responsible for protecting the place we reside. It is a top priority for their customers. Aldi is committed to implementing sustainable moves while offering the best products at a pocket-friendly price.
Another initiative includes diverting about 90% of its operational waste in the next four years and reduce food waste by 50% at the end of this decade. The company has set up plans such as nonfood donation events, food recovery initiatives, composting, and expanded recycling.
Aldi is also working on reducing the packaging materials and converting the excessive packaging to reusable materials by 2025. The company has set up packaging commitments by using reusable, recyclable, and compostable packaging materials. It is planning on expanding sustainable sourcing of food. Alongside its business partners, the firm will promote human rights and improve the transparency supply chain. With that, all the products are designed and manufactured in an environmental-friendly manner.
Aldi is one of the United States’ fastest-growing retailers, including over 2,000 stores in thirty-seven states. Reliable reports indicate that the company is working on adding 100 plus stores by 2021.
