ALDI Australia has released a Sustainability Progress Report titled ‘Making Sustainability Affordable’, which is the supermarket’s first-ever consolidated review of all CSR-related activities and commitments across the business.
The report positions ALDI considerably ahead of competitors in key areas of renewable electricity, plastics reduction and sustainability targets.
“At ALDI we have made it our mission to offer our customers quality products that make sustainability affordable,” the report says.
“That has always meant caring for our Planet, People and our Communities, ensuring that everything we do makes a positive contribution to people’s lives, their livelihoods and the world in which they live.”
Healthy planet
By switching to renewable electricity, reducing plastics from its supply chain and committing to zero waste, ALDI says it is making a positive contribution to the health of our planet.
It’s progress in 2021 include:
- Becoming the first Australian supermarket to achieve it’s 100% renewable electricity target
- 100% of ALDI’s coca and tea products are certified sustainable.
- 100% of its fish and seafood products are responsibly sourced.
- All of ALDI’s paper and pulp-based products are certified sustainable or use 100% recycled materials.
- Achieved 80% of its zero waste to landfill by 2025 target.
- Achieved 26% of its zero food waste to landfill by 2023 target.
Thriving people and communities
By sourcing responsibly, supporting Australian industry and contributing to those in need, ALDI says it is helping to build “resilient, thriving people and communities”.
It’s progress in 2021 include:
- Sourcing 100% of its fresh meat, eggs, bread, milk, salmon and poultry from Australian farmers.
- Sourcing 97% of its fresh produce from Australian farmers.
- Saving customers $2.7 billion through its pricing policies.
- Donating $1.86 million to Australian community organisations including Camp Quality and Foodbank.
ALDI says it has made an overall contribution of $4.1 billion to the Australian economy and partnered with over 1000 Australian business partners.
“Whilst proud of our global heritage, our business in Australia is an independent operation,” ALDI’s report says.
“That has allowed us to reinvest all our profits in the growth and expansion of our stores and facilities, and to consistently pay tax in line with the Australian Corporate Tax Rate of 30%.”
Working together
ALDI says its inaugural Sustainability Progress Report highlights how it is making a positive contribution to people’s lives.
“We know we still have some way to go. We also know that we have taken some significant steps forward, to the point where others are now following our way,” ALDI says.
“Which is fine by us. Because we believe that no one organisation can make the scale of change that’s necessary to support the health of the planet and the wellbeing of our people and communities. It requires the contribution of everyone, every day.”
