Wal-Mart wants to reduce packaging
Wal-Mart Canada Corp. reported on June 21st that it will begin to use packaging as one of the reasons to choose what to sell. Potential suppliers will have to fill out a complex survey about the ecological impact and recycled content of their packaging.
As one example, Wal-mart saved $3-million (U.S.) by shrinking the cardboard box holding one line of private label toys. The one-inch reduction in height and width, and the elimination of plastic wrapping, reduced cardboard use by 3,450 tons and plastic by 600 tons.
A representative of the Packaging Association of Canada said that while Wal-Mart’s decision is positive for the industry and the environment, packaging is not the environmental evil that many people think it is. “There’s an incredible perception that packaging is playing this huge role in filling up landfill sites,” he said. “The reality is it is really a pimple on the back of a giant elephant.”
Still, this represents some positive leadership, even if part of the reason is profit motivated.
Meanwhile, at the conference where this announcement took place, examples of new compostable packaging were being shown. One company was showing fibre trays (like those used to hold packaged fruits and vegetables) made entirely of palm oil. Another showed off clear resin packaging it makes from corn.