Aldi Ireland has extended its contract with key water suppliers, including Glenpatrick Spring and Classic Mineral Water, in a deal worth almost €20 million.
Glenpatrick has worked with Aldi for 20 years, while Classic Mineral Water has supplied to the retailer for four years.
The recent deal supports the suppliers as they each undergoing a period of expansion.
Classic Mineral Water will be installing new production lines, while Glenpatrick Spring will be investing in an additional warehouse and introducing a new warehouse management system.
The two Irish businesses currently employ a total of 330 people.
Plastic And Packaging
The yearlong contract will also see a number of changes implemented across Aldi’s range of water products.
The changes to the plastic and packaging across Aldi’s water products aim to eliminate 146 tonnes of plastic per year by removing surplus packaging.
Aldi will add 30% of recycled plastic to the majority of water bottles by the end of 2024, and 100% to all kids ranges.
Furthermore, Aldi has pledged that all packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
To date, Aldi has removed more than 2,150 tonnes of virgin plastic from its Irish store network and replaced 930 tonnes of unrecyclable material with recyclable alternatives.
This latest announcement supports Aldi’s wider work in improving the sustainability of their operations and contributing to a circular economy.
‘A More Sustainable Business’
Speaking about the announcement, Aldi Ireland’s buying director Laurence Kelly said, “This contract represents Aldi’s ambitious plans to both expand our existing relationships with our supplier network, while also delivering on sustainability pledges.
“We are delighted to continue working with Glenpatrick and Classic Mineral Water, who have been incredibly supportive of our pledge to reduce all own label plastic packaging by 40%, and that all packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
“It’s becoming increasingly important to our customers that their everyday products are environmentally friendly, as it is to us, and we are constantly reviewing ways to become a more sustainable business.
“We look forward to continuing to work with these suppliers in the future and exploring new ways to incorporate sustainable practices and circular economy processes across our operations.”
Glenpatrick Spring’s chief operating officer Michael Cairns added, “The working relationship with Aldi in what is now our 21st year has been one of partnership and growth.
“We look forward to the next 21!”
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