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Aldi is taking part in the HolyGrail 2.0 initiative and is trialling own-brand product packaging with a digital watermark for better sorting. Packaging can be allocated more precisely to the appropriate fractions in the sorting plant, which helps with high-quality recycling.
A central challenge of plastics recycling is the Lack of standardised recycling infrastructure with regard to the collection, sorting and recycling of plastic packaging. Therefore Aldi already a member of the initiative since 2022 HolyGrail 2.0. The aim of the initiative is to test the technical feasibility of digital watermarks, to promote the sorting of plastic packaging and thus improve its recyclability. With a corresponding sorting study, the initiative with the participation of Aldi is currently in its third phase.
A total of 18 different kefir and yoghurt packs from the AldiMILSANI own brand labelled with digital watermarks. The first products labelled with the invisible codes are already available in shops. The digital watermarks, which are applied to the packaging, contain, among other things Information on the packaging material. In recycling plants, special cameras ensure that the relevant data is read out and the Packaging sorted more precisely into the individual waste streams to promote high-quality recycling.
The use of recyclate in own-brand product packaging is one of several ambitious goals that the company has set itself. Aldi as part of its packaging mission.
„In order to create the conditions for high-quality recyclates on the market, as a member of the HolyGrail 2.0 initiative we are endeavouring to sort as much material as possible in the best possible way and thus make an important contribution to the circular economy.“
Alexander Markov, Managing Director National Supply Chain Management at Aldi Süd
Source: Aldi South
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