German discounters Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd have announced a partnership with startup accelerator programme TechFounders to promote innovation in sustainable packaging materials.
In addition to financial support, Aldi will also act as a catalyst and mentor for the startups.
Sustainable Packaging
Aldi Nord's managing director of corporate responsibility and quality assurance, Rayk Mende, added, "With the partnership, we would like to actively support young founders and work with them to promote the topic of plastic reduction and sustainable packaging in the industry."
In collaboration with TechFounders, Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd will first identify startups for the 20-week accelerator programme.
Apart from developing their ideas and business model, the participating companies will also get comprehensive coaching on pitching, HR, sales and marketing, venture capital, and legal issues.
Managing director of TechFounders, Heiko Huber, said, "Our strength is to meet the needs of startups, as well as companies. Cooperations such as these are a win-win situation for both sides."
Other Initiatives
Aldi has initiated various measures to consistently reduce the waste generated by packaging.
It has set a goal of cutting the use of packaging materials by 30% by 2025, and replace all its private-label product packaging with 100% recyclable materials.
In July 2017, Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd announced plans to eliminate disposable plastic bags, and increased the price of said bags from 10 to 20 cents, until the stock was sold off. The proceeds from the sale of these bags were forwarded to various sustainable projects.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
