UK retail giant Aldi continues to lead the charge in sustainable packaging with the introduction of paper bottles for its own-label drinks. Following the success of its paper wine bottles earlier this year, Aldi has launched Greyson’s London Dry Gin in a lightweight and eco-friendly paper bottle, priced at £13.99 for a 70cl bottle.

The move comes after Aldi's groundbreaking release of two paper wine bottles—a Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa—in March, coinciding with global recycling day. Priced at £7.99 each, these wines marked Aldi as the first UK supermarket to venture into paper bottle packaging.

The innovative paper bottles, composed of 94% recycled paperboard, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional glass bottles, boasting both lightweight and shatterproof qualities. Aldi's Managing Director of Buying, Julie Ashfield, sees this development as a significant stride towards sustainable practices, emphasizing that the paper bottle for gin is five times lighter than its glass counterpart.

Collaborating with Frugalpac, a pioneer in recycled paper-based products, Aldi continues to push boundaries in eco-conscious packaging solutions. Frugalpac introduced its Frugal Bottle in 2020, revolutionizing the wine and spirits industry with its paper-based alternative.

Aldi's commitment to sustainability extends beyond packaging innovation. The supermarket is also revamping its Grapevine range by reducing wine label sizes, opting for FSC-certified labels made entirely from recycled paper fiber. This initiative, slated to encompass all permanent lines by 2026, reflects Aldi's dedication to environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability goals.

With the launch of paper gin bottles and ongoing sustainability initiatives, Aldi reinforces its position as a frontrunner in eco-friendly retail practices, setting a precedent for the industry's future endeavors.