Working with Aldi’s asset management provider to support their existing returnable equipment network, the discount supermarket chain has awarded XPO Logistics a multi-million pound contract to wash and repair reusable transit packaging from its UK stores.

In a collaborative arrangement with other XPO Logistics customers, approximately 22 million Aldi plastic crates will be processed each year through XPO Logistics tray wash centres. XPO Logistics will take additional responsibility for the processing of beverage trays, universal display pallets (UDPs), potato shippers and fresh produce and meat shipping containers annually for Aldi.

The contract will be serviced by XPO Logistics regional facilities in Falkirk, Rochdale, Doncaster, Bristol and Dagenham. Consolidated items will be washed, inspected and returned back into the supply chain. Repairs can also be carried out as necessary. By combining volumes at these shared user facilities, XPO’s customers benefit from operational synergies and handling efficiencies.

Danny Gibson, Corporate Logistics Director, Aldi, said: “With its expertise in managing a wide range of returnable transit packaging, and its extensive tray wash service capabilities, XPO Logistics more than meets our requirements for a high quality, reliable solution.

“The strategic location of XPO Logistics centres throughout the UK will enable us to achieve greater cost efficiencies and further reduce our road miles to improve our environmental footprint.”

XPO Logistics is a leading provider of reverse logistics solutions to the UK’s supermarket retail sector, and washes more than 400 million trays annually. The company is responsible for handling returnable packaging on behalf of two of the UK’s top three supermarket retailers.