Retailer sets new sustainable packaging guidelines for suppliers
The change has been spearheaded by the decision to switch to recycled containers for all store-branded products.
“At Whole Foods Market, we’re committed to reducing, reusing and recycling waste on all levels of business, and we’re thrilled to be leading the green packaging charge with our store-brand products,” said Jeremiah McElwee, global Whole Body co-ordinator for Whole Foods Market.
The change follows on from the decision early in the year to make certification compulsory for all cosmetics and personal care products making an ‘organic’ claim sold through its US stores, and will affect more than 2,100 body care and supplement suppliers company-wide.
Emphasis on recycled containers
Having introduced post-consumer recycled (PCR) bottles last year the switch to the new responsible packaging guidelines has meant the introduction of PCR content bottles on all products by the end of the year.
The new bottles bear a leaf symbol indicating that they are made from 100 percent PCR plastic.
“We knew that PCR-content bottles were the way to go. They require less energy and water to produce and generate far fewer greenhouse gases, while diverting reusable materials out of the landfill and reducing reliance on virgin plastics,” McElwee continued.
Introduction of packaging mandate
Since summer 2008, McElwee teamed up with 25 of the retailer’s personal care product suppliers to develop the guidelines. Suppliers were given one year to change to more eco-friendly packaging, with suppliers required to meet the new packaging guidelines before its products are sold in any of Whole Foods Market’s locations worldwide.
McElwee explained how working with suppliers has enabled them to come up with greener options for customers and was extremely pleased with how responsive vendors were to the changes.
“More exciting still is that through the development process, Whole Foods Market has created a forum for vendors to share best practices, helping the whole industry move forward with our environment top of mind.”
The guidelines state suppliers must reduce the use of plastic in product packaging and limit acceptable packaging materials to those that are easily reused or recycled.
