Aldi has announced plans to scrap plastic in favour of new biodegradable and paper bags at all stores nationwide.
From July, half of all Aldi stores in the UK will offer paper bags and the rest will offer compostable carrier bags.
At the end of the trial, the option most popular with customers will be rolled out across the UK and offered alongside Aldi’s other reusable bags.
It said the bag that ultimately gets used could help save up to 1,300 tonnes per year, which is the equivalent to 33.3 million carrier bags.
The grocer's new compostable bags are made of a bio-degradable material, called Bioplast, and are designed to be completely domestically compostable within 12 months. They will retail at 6p, with the paper bags retailing at 19p.
Fritz Walleczek, managing director of corporate responsibly at Aldi, said: “Reducing the amount of plastic we produce is fundamental to our commitment to being a sustainable and environmentally responsible business. This trial will identify the option which best suits our shoppers.
"Cutting waste is part of Aldi’s DNA and we are constantly looking for new ways to reduce our environmental impact. This new trial is one of the biggest we have ever launched because we want our customers to be involved and help us make the right decision for them and the environment."
Alongside the trial, Aldi has also set out a pledge to reduce plastic packaging by 25% by the end of 2023.
