Walmart Canada to Phase Out Single-use Plastic Bags by Earth Day 2022
Dec 8, 2021 By MarketDepth
Walmart Canada yesterday announced its decision to eliminate single-use plastic bags in stores by April 2022.
750 Million Bags Eliminated
The move will see three-quarters-of-a-billion plastic bags eliminated from circulation following a comprehensive customer awareness and education campaign spearheaded by Walmart prior to the transition.
“Eliminating plastic shopping bags is a significant milestone on our journey to becoming a regenerative company – and it’s the right thing to do.”
Horacio Barbeito, President and CEO, Walmart Canada
The company’s decision comes after it staged a successful 10-store pilot in August 2021 which diverted nearly 6 million plastic bags. It also follows along the regenerative path the company has set off on, as Walmart has already begun eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics with a series of changes. Among these are its initiatives to increase post-consumer recycled content in the packaging of baked goods and eliminate plastic wrap from organic banana bunches and single peppers.
“Walmart’s associates and customers have shown us time and time again that they’re ready to step up with us to bring meaningful change to our industry.”
Sam Wankowski, Chief Operations Officer, Walmart Canada