The start-ups Cyclic Design, Ogata and Wisefood have 20 weeks of funding programme behind them. The three start-ups were able to convince Aldi of their ideas for sustainable packaging and product solutions in June. The three start-ups presented their final results yesterday at the TechFounders Demo Day in Munich.
Since the beginning of the year, the Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd groups have been relying on a breath of fresh air from outside on their journey towards less packaging and plastic. As part of the Accelerator Programme TechFounders start-ups with their ideas for sustainable packaging solutions and plastic reduction were able to compete for a 20-week support programme apply.
Aldi selected the three start-ups Cyclic Design, Ogata and Wisefood from over 80 applications. During this time, the start-ups further developed their business model with the help of Aldi mentors.
„From the outset, our aim was not only to get innovative ideas from outside, but also to implement them and achieve visible results. At the end of the funding phase, we can draw a positive conclusion. We aim to use all three of the start-ups' solutions in future as Promotional items to offer.“
Kristina BellGroup Buying Director at Aldi Süd
And these are the results
Wisefood
Since the beginning of 2019, Aldi has permanently banned single-use plastic items from its range. A sustainable alternative was therefore needed, especially for the drinking straws that are so popular with customers. The start-up Wisefood has come up with its edible drinking straw based on renewable raw materials has developed an environmentally friendly alternative to replace the plastic drinking straw. Already in December customers can purchase the straws as a promotional item in all Aldi shops.
„During the funding phase, we prepared for supplier meetings and further developed the drinking straws from a sustainability perspective.“
Patricia Titz, Co-Founder & Head of Business Development at Wisefood
Ogata
The start-up Ogata originally applied to Aldi with a paper shopping bag. With the shopping bag, Ogata has declared war on the tedious carrying of shopping bags, as the bag can be carried comfortably as a rucksack. This idea convinced Aldi. For Aldi, Ogata has developed a Bag made from more durable synthetic fibres developed.
„We have used the last 20 weeks to optimise the cut and design of the carrier backpack. Our aim is to make the reusable bag even more sustainable and to offer it in recycled plastic by the end of 2020.“
Cornelius Voss, founder of Ogata
The reusable bag, which bears the name JohnJohn®, is now in production. In the Spring 2020 it will be available in all Aldi shops.
Cyclic Design
With refillable bottles for personal care products The startup Cyclic Design has applied to Aldi for this project. The sustainable hanging bottles are made from just one material and are recyclable.
„Our high quality standards for the product are ideally suited to a large retailer like Aldi.“
Marilu Valente, co-founder of Cyclic Design
The start-up therefore used the 20 weeks to create a marketable prototype and carried out various tests to ensure the bottle's closure technology worked smoothly. Together with Aldi, Cyclic Design is now aiming to launch the refillable bottles by Autumn 2020 in the shops.
Second round started: Aldi is looking for startups again
To achieve the ambitious goals of the Aldi packaging mission, Aldi continues to rely on the help of start-ups.
„The great results of the first funding round show that we are on the right track with this strategy and that we are helping to promote innovation for the entire market. We are therefore delighted to continue to offer young founders the opportunity to realise their further develop ideas and test them for practical suitability."
Rayk MendeManaging Director Corporate Responsibility & Quality Assurance at Aldi Nord
Source: Aldi
