Retailer's recycling and sustainability programs show significant growth
Staples Canada makes more waste diversion happen, announcing today its 2013 sustainability achievements. The retailer exceeded many of its 2013 goals, including collecting 93,274 kg of batteries and 3,084,778 ink and toner cartridges.
"We are committed to making a positive difference on the environment, and we set collection and diversion goals," said Pete Gibel, vice president of merchandising at Staples Canada and Chair of the Staples Canada Environmental Committee. "I'm thrilled to see that we continue to make tremendous progress with the help of our customers and that many of our programs exceeded our expectations over the past year."
93,274 Kilograms of Batteries Diverted from Landfills
Staples Canada partners with Call2Recycle to collect and recycle batteries (re-chargeable and alkaline) in every Staples store. The retailer has surpassed its battery collection goal of 60,000 kg by diverting over 93,274 kg of batteries in 2013, almost double the 49,528 kg of batteries collected in 2012. The total amount of batteries diverted in Q4 2013 alone was 21,912 kg.
5,073,392 Ink and Toner Cartridges Collected since Earth Day 2012
Staples Canada gives customers the option to drop off used ink and toner cartages at every store in Canada. In 2013, the retailer collected 3,084,778 ink and toner cartridges, over half a million more than 2012. In Q4 2013 alone, Staples Canada collected 629,386 cartridges. In 2012, the retailer set a goal to collect 5 million ink cartridges between Earth Day 2012 and Earth Day 2014 (April 22, 2012-April 22, 2014). To date, Staples has surpassed its goal, collecting 5,073,392 cartridges.
Schools across the country can also assist in the program by signing up for a free ink cartridge collection bin to help encourage students to recycle. Staples Canada collects the cartridges free of charge. More information and registration details can be found at www.canadaschoolrecycling.ca.
3,366 Metric Tons of Electronics Collected
Staples Canada, alongside its national electronics recycling partner, eCycle Solutions, collects electronics in almost 260 retail locations, with 9 locations added in 2013. Staples Canada has collected 3,366 metric tons of electronics in 2013, beating its goal of matching their 2012 collection of 3,000 metric tons. In Q4 2013 alone, 839 metric tons were collected.
26,643 Writing Instruments Collected
Alongside their exclusive partners, TerraCycle and Newell Rubbermaid, Staples Canada takes back used writing instruments such as pens, pencils, markers and highlighters. In 2013, the retailer collected 26,643 units in total with 15,604 units collected in Q4 alone, an increase of 148.5% from Q3 2013 where 6,279 units were collected.
Over 3,400 Sustainable Products In-Store
Staples continues to carry a wide range of eco-responsible products in several different product categories. The sales of eco-responsible paper products continue to grow, including paper containing recycled content, Forest Stewardship Council and other third party certifications, and alternative fibre papers such as Sustainable Earth sugar-cane based copy paper and Step Forward 80% Wheat Straw Copy Paper. Over half of Staples copy and multiuse paper store sales in 2013 came from eco-responsible paper products. In-store, Staples offers over 3,400 products with at least one eco-attribute, with many more products available online and through Staples Advantage Canada. These include Staples exclusive Sustainable Earth notebooks and writing pad products, manufactured from sugarcane plant fibre waste. Staples also implemented a new eco-responsible reusable shopping bag in 2013, and eco-responsible paper products are also available in Staples Copy & Print Centres throughout the country.
Energy Consumption Down 2.21%
Staples Canada continues to reduce energy consumption and actively works to conserve energy across the business by reducing overall energy costs, and diversifying energy sources. In 2013, the retailer reduced electrical consumption by 2.21% over 2012.
Staples Inc. Only North American Retailer Named to Global 100 Sustainability Index
January, 29, 2014, Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS) announced that it was named to the Global 100 Sustainability Index, one of the top measures in corporate sustainability analysis, published by Corporate Knights, a media, research and investment advisory company. Staples is one of two global retailers in the rankings and the only one in North America to rank.