Environmental Leader

Wal-Mart Canada has launched a recycling program that sees used Styrofoam packaging from eight Wal-Mart locations going to Grace Canada for reuse in the production of commercial insulation.

“As we work with our merchandise suppliers long-term to eliminate the polystyrene used in products and packaging, we’re also looking at interim solutions to divert this waste from landfill,” said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Wal-Mart Canada. “We’ve found an answer that is a triple win, for Wal-Mart Canada, Grace Canada and most importantly, the environment.”

To-date, Grace Canada and its parent company W. R. Grace & Co. have recycled over 77 million pounds of foam polystyrene.

Wal-Mart Canada says it has adopted numerous waste diversion initiatives across its operations in order to minimize its environmental footprint. In-store, multi-stream waste diversion programs currently recycle paper fibres, beverage containers, plastic bags and film. In 2007, Wal-Mart Canada diverted over 1 million kilograms of waste from landfill and has seen an over 20 percent increase in waste diversion already over last year.

In August, Wal-Mart Canada announced that its new high-efficiency stores would cut energy use by more than 30 percent.