ALDI’s Commitment to Eliminate Deforestation
Forests are ecosystems that provide a habitat for plants, animals and people. Forest conservation helps preserve these ecosystems and mitigate climate change. However, the clearing of natural forests to create agricultural land continues at an alarming rate. One of ALDI’s key commitments is to minimise our impact upon forests. Find out below how ALDI is taking action against deforestation and what you can do to help.
Forest Protection
The ALDI South Group (consisting of eleven countries including Australia) strives to eliminate deforestation from our high priority supply chains by 31 December, 2030. You can read more about the ALDI South Group commitment here.
So, what are we doing to achieve this goal? Let us introduce you to the 3 C’s.
1. Certification
Where possible, raw materials are certified by independent third parties. Certification ensures that sustainability requirements are implemented on the ground. Maximum transparency also increases the impact of our measures.
2. Collaboration
Having an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders is essential for market transition. We collaborate directly with suppliers and traders, certification bodies and industry groups such as the Palm Oil Transparency Coalition (POTC), Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), among others.
3. Capacity Building
We consider supporting projects that have the most impact and minimise deforestation. For example, ALDI works with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to make sustainable palm oil the norm.
The ALDI South Group also completed a Sustainable Palm Oil Project in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. This project paves the way for a sustainable cultivation of palm oil, focusing on the protection of native forests and environmentally sound cultivation methods.
Sustainable Wood and Paper Products
We are proud to say that all of our own-label products made of wood or paper are either certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) or made from 100% recycled content. This includes furniture, stationery and toys, as well as toilet paper, tissue, kitchen paper towels, feminine hygiene products and baby products. 100% of our catalogue paper is also from sustainably managed sources certified by the PEFC.
Sustainable Wood and Paper Packaging
Since the end of 2020, 100% of the packaging of our everyday range containing wood or paper material is certified sustainable or made of at least 70% recycled material.
Sustainable Palm Oil
We can say with confidence that since the end of 2018, all palm oil in our own ALDI-label products is certified sustainable. You can read more about ALDI’s commitment to sustainable palm oil. Read more on Sustainable Palm Oil here
How you can join ALDI in helping to eliminate deforestation
Taking action against deforestation might seem daunting or unattainable. Quite the contrary, there are measures you can take at home and when you go shopping that positively impact the environment. Have a look at our tips below for inspiration.
1. Look for the FSC and PEFC logos
When choosing your next brand of paper, look out for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) logos on the packaging. Items with these logos are made from well managed forests certified by the FSC or PEFC as being responsibly sourced.
2. Go paperless at home and in the office
Where possible, opt for digital versions of documents and receipts instead of physical paper copies. When taking notes in the workplace, why not type them up on your device instead of handwriting them?
3. Use recycled paper and recycle it again
Paper can be reused in a number of ways such as gift-wrapping, scrap paper for shopping lists, or even craft projects like papier-mâché. Before you throw away a cardboard box, consider how it could be repurposed, for example, as a recycling bin.
4. Only buy what you will use
Refrain from unnecessary purchases to reduce waste. Making a shopping list before you go to the supermarket can help prevent you from making any unnecessary purchases.
5. Educate your friends and family
Our everyday actions can impact forests around the world. You can join us in eliminating deforestation by sharing these tips with your friends and family. For more information on deforestation, you can read ALDI Australia’s Sustainable Forestry Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is deforestation?
Deforestation occurs when trees are cut down from forests and not replanted. Forests are cleared for uses such as agricultural croplands, urbanisation or mining activities. Deforestation is not limited to trees, often it also involves the clearing of shrubbery or peatlands.
What causes deforestation?
The biggest cause of deforestation in Australia is the clearing of land for agricultural farming. Other causes include mining, infrastructure and natural disasters such as fires.
Why is deforestation bad?
Forests provide food and shelter for so much of life on Earth. Deforestation can cause loss of habitat, fewer crops, increased greenhouse gases and disrupt the lives of Indigenous people who inhabit the forests.