Posted on Wed, Oct. 19, 2005
Wal-Mart endorses 'green' grocery packaging
By Harold Brubaker
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which in addition to being the nation's largest retailer is also the largest seller of groceries, has begun switching from petroleum-based to corn-based plastic packaging.
One of the first market tests undertaken by the retail giant involves 114 million clear-plastic clamshell containers for cut fruit, herbs, strawberries and brussels sprouts, Wal-Mart executive Matt Kistler said this morning at a conference in Philadelphia.
"This is a way to make a change positive for the environment and for business," said Kistler, who is vice president for product development and packaging for the company's Sam's Club division.
Kistler said the packaging initiative is part of a broad effort started a year ago by chief executive officer Lee Scott to incorporate environmental concerns into business decisions at Wal-Mart.
NatureWorks L.L.C., a Minnesota-based division of Cargill Inc., produced the plastic for the Wal-Mart containers from polylactic acid, which is derived from corn.
One advantage of the plastic made from polylactic acid - beyond the reduced consumption of crude oil - is its ability to be composted in carefully regulated municipal operations.
Containers and packaging accounted for 32 percent of municipal solid wastes by weight in 2003, according to the Environmental Protections Agency.
More than 200 people attended the Sustainable Packaging Forum at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel. It was produced by Packaging Strategies Inc., West Chester.
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/breaking_news/12942307.htm