Walmart Starts Promised Chemicals Policy

Walmart has informed dozens of product manufacturers throughout its supply chain that it is implementing its new chemicals policy that will phase out hazardous chemicals from its consumer products. Walmart announced the policy last year.

The Policy on Sustainable Chemistry in Consumables provides a description of what it calls priority chemicals. Priority chemicals are substances with certain hazardous properties that can affect human health, and/or the environment. It is defined as a chemical that meets the criteria for classification as a carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxicant, or is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic; or any chemical for which there is “scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health or the environment,” the policy states.

The policy covers consumer products like health and beauty aids; cosmetics and skincare; baby care products; pet supplies; and household laundry and cleaning products.

“Walmart and Sam’s Club believe that customers/members should not have to choose between products that they can afford and products that are better for them and the environment. Walmart and Sam’s Club have worked with suppliers, NGOs, academics, government, and industry stakeholders to develop a company policy on sustainable chemistry for the consumables products that we sell,” the policy states.