German supermarket chain Aldi has launched a trial selling its first packaging-free products in a bid to help customers shop more sustainably.

The trial is available at one store in Ulverston, Cumbria, but if successful, Aldi will look to develop its refillable options in other stores too.

Four household staples - basmati rice, brown rice, penne pasta and wholewheat fusilli - are available to buy loose in store.

The retailer said the scheme could remove more than 130 tonnes - or more than 21 million pieces - of plastic annually from its stores.

Richard Gorman, plastics and packaging director at Aldi, said: "Customers at our Ulverston store can now buy the same high-quality items they know and love, while also cutting down on plastic packaging.

"We're always looking for new ways to reduce waste plastic and limit packaging, as many of our shoppers are increasingly conscious of the environment and their impact on it.

"We hope local customers embrace the trial and we will use their feedback to inform any future plans around refillable products."

Packaging-free products are available by weight, and Aldi will provide customers with free paper bags that are fully recyclable and made of FSC-certified material.