# Reduced Plastic Meat Packaging Aldi is Trialing Cardboard Steak Packaging to Cut Plastic Use By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-08-10 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-steak-packaging References: [talkingretail](https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/aldi-trials-cardboard-steak-trays-cut-plastic-09-08-2019/) & [aldi](https://www.aldi.co.uk) This new cardboard steak packaging has been unveiled by UK-based grocery retailer [Aldi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everyday-essentials-porridge-oats) as part of its initiative to [cut plastic use](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seal-n-flip-packaging) without worry about compromising on food quality or shelf life. The packaging is being trialled by the brand in over 380 stores in the UK and will be used with fillet, sirloin, rump and ribeye steak. It will feature 88% less plastic than other meat packaging and consists of a piece of cardboard sourced from sustainably managed forests along with a thin base film. The Aldi cardboard steak packaging is reported to eliminate 240 tonnes of plastic from being used each year and, if successful in trials, will be expanded nationwide and to additional product varieties. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Reduced Plastic Packaging:** Aldi's cardboard steak packaging showcases the trend of reducing plastic waste in the meat industry. - **Sustainable Packaging:** The use of cardboard sourced from sustainably managed forests demonstrates the trend of adopting more eco-friendly packaging materials. - **Shelf Life Extension:** The cardboard steak packaging highlights the trend of developing packaging solutions that maintain food quality and extend shelf life without relying on excessive plastic packaging. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Grocery Retail:** This trend provides an opportunity for grocery retailers to differentiate themselves by offering products with reduced plastic packaging. - **Meat Processing:** The reduced plastic meat packaging trend opens up opportunities for meat processors to explore alternative packaging solutions that are more sustainable. - **Sustainable Packaging Manufacturing:** Companies in the sustainable packaging manufacturing industry can take advantage of the trend by developing innovative solutions using eco-friendly materials like cardboard. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Meat Packaging Reduction Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sainsburys-beef-mince-products.md) - [Plastic-Free Vegetarian Product Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recyclable-cardboard-packaging.md) - [Paper-Packaged Porridge Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everyday-essentials-porridge-oats.md) - [Paper-Made Oral Care Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toothbrush-packaging.md) - [Paper-Made Mushroom Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-punnets.md) - [Reduced Plastic Snack Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/specially-selected-hand-cooked-chips.md) - [Vacuum-Sealed Meat Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minced-meat-products.md) - [Freshness-Enhancing Lamb Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sainsburys-2.md) - [Lightweight Wine Bottle Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aldi-and-greencroft.md)