Skip to main content

Walmart aims for greener products

| Going green

Walmart is expanding its programme to clean up the products it sells, setting a 2022 target for reducing potentially harmful substances and widening the list of chemicals it wants to avoid.

The world’s largest retailer plans to reduce the chemicals in products such as household cleaners, cosmetics, skincare and infant items by 10% by then, according to a statement. It has added some fragrance allergens to its priority list of substances it wants to remove from goods.

The new goal is the latest in the retailer’s effort to respond to consumers seeking greener products and more information about what is in them.

In 2016, Walmart named eight chemicals it wanted eliminated from the goods it sells and is on schedule to have the chemicals on its broader priority list labelled online and on packaging in 2018.

"We’re trying to centre around a broader approach that emphasises three elements: building trust, delivering impact and really staying ahead of regulation," said Zach Freeze, Walmart’s senior director for strategic initiatives for sustainability.

In August, Walmart joined the Chemical Footprint Project, which helps firms get rid of dangerous substances.

Bloomberg


Related Articles

SA consumers prefer paper packaging, want more ...

By: Retail Brief Africa The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) enlisted South Africa as one of the 16 countries that participated in this year’s global ‘Trend Tracker Survey’. 

How to get R2,400 in Makro vouchers for electri...

By Hanno Labuschagne - MyBroadBand The E-Waste Recycling Authority (ERA) will be handing out vouchers on the spot for e-waste dropped off at Makro stores over the next two weekends.

Be water wise on your garden amidst water restr...

As South Africa faces water challenges brought on by seasonal climate changes - Rand Water and the South African Green Industries Council have called on industries and consumers to use water sparingly this season - climate change is affecting the ...

Engen and Food & Trees partner to green South D...

Engen employees have marked the arrival of Spring and celebrated Arbour Month by volunteering at a tree planting initiative to help green schools and mental health facilities in the South of Durban.

Woolworths and WWF South Africa celebrate 15 ye...

In an exciting milestone, Woolworths, a global leader in responsible retailing, and WWF South Africa marked a significant moment of collaboration, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to a shared vision of environmental stewardship.