Jason Hart, the CEO of Aldi U.S., has issued an open letter on Aldi’s website announcing the company’s plan to eliminate plastic shopping bags from all stores by the end of 2023.
Hart explains that Aldi has already removed plastic bags from nearly 500 of its stores and the grocer’s retailer’s goal “is to phase them out from all 2,200 locations by the end of 2023. We are thrilled to make this monumental pledge in support of our planet, which will remove 4,400 tons of plastic from circulation each year.”
The CEO also cited highlights from the company’s first Corporate Responsibility Progress Report, which announced its goals for sustainability. The report outlined the progress Aldi has made reducing food waste, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and changes in packaging, as well as Aldi’s efforts to continue to responsibly source its products and give back to local communities. Hart explained Aldi’s plastic bag announcement is part of this wider company initiative to increase sustainability.
Looking to further reduce its impact on the environment, the report said rooftop solar panels were installed on more buildings, bringing the grocer's total to "over 120 stores and 12 distribution centers producing and consuming green electricity from solar power.”
Batavia, Ill.-based Aldi opened in the U.S. in 1976, and now has more than 2,000 stores in 36 states. The chain plans to open approximately 150 new stores this year.