Aldi has launched Colleague Shops across the country to give Warehouse Operations and Office colleagues the chance to buy products that can’t be sold in stores, as part of its work to reduce food waste.

The scheme ensures products that are still perfectly good to consume find homes instead of going to waste and is expected to prevent an estimated 240 tonnes of food waste each year.

Following a successful trial at its Darlington Regional Distribution Centre, Colleague Shops are now being rolled out across all 11 of Aldi’s Regional Distribution Centres nationwide.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “The Colleague Shop is another example of how we’re working to cut food waste across our operations. It’s a practical initiative that benefits both colleagues and the environment, and we’re pleased to extend it nationwide following a successful pilot.”

Earlier this year Aldi overtook Asda to become the UK’s third-largest grocer by value of food and drink sales and in September it announced plans to invest a £1.6bn over the next two years, opening 80 new stores.