Battery and electronics recycling among retailer's top environmental programs
TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Staples Canada, leader in office supplies and Canada's largest online retailer, today announced its sustainability achievements for the third quarter of 2013, meeting its recycling and energy efficiency program goals.
"Our long-term commitment to growing our business in a sustainable manner and reducing our impact on the environment is a top priority for Staples," said Pete Gibel, vice president of merchandising at Staples Canada and Chair of the Staples Canada Environmental Committee. "We're thrilled that our sustainability programs continue to grow and make a positive impact."
71,370 kg of Batteries Diverted from Landfills So Far in 2013
Staples Canada partners with Call2Recycle to collect and recycle batteries (re-chargeable and alkaline). The program helped Staples Canada and its customers divert over 23,630 kg of batteries from landfills in the third quarter of 2013, an increase of 44.3% over Q3 2012. During the second quarter of 2013, Staples Canada collected 23,880 kg of batteries and 23,860 kg in the first quarter. With 71,370 kg of batteries collected, the retailer has surpassed its goal of collecting 60,000 kg this year.
625,230 Ink and Toner Cartridges Collected
Staples Canada gives customers the option to drop off used ink and toner cartages at every store in Canada. In the third quarter of 2013, 625,230 ink and toner cartridges were collected. In the second quarter of 2013, 790,000 ink and toner cartridges were collected. With a target to collect 5 million ink cartridges by Earth Day 2014, the retailer continues to encourage Canadians to drop off used ink and toner cartridges at any Staples Canada location. Schools across the country can assist in the program by signing up for a free ink cartridge bin, with Staples collecting the cartridges free of charge.
908.73 Metric Tons of Electronics Collected
Staples Canada, alongside its national electronics recycling partner, eCycle Solutions, collects electronics in over 250 retail locations. With a goal to collect 3,000 metric tons of electronics this year, Staples Canada customers helped the retailer collect 908.73 metric tons of electronics in Q3 2013, an increase of 19.8% over Q3 2012. In the second quarter of 2013, Staples Canada customers helped the retailer collect 797.44 metric tons of electronics.
6,279 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. During Q3 2013, the retailer collected 6,279 units. In the second quarter of 2013, 3,083 units were collected.
3,400 Sustainable Products In-Store
Staples continues to source and offer customers alternative, eco-responsible products, such as Forest Stewardship Council Certified paper, and products with eco-responsible features including recycled content. The retailer also looks for products that carry independent environmental certifications such as Rainforest Alliance and Energy Star. 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. Staples continues to offer Staples Brand Forest Stewardship Council certified multiuse and copy paper, as well as 30% and 100% recycled content copy paper. The retailer also offers alternative fibre copy papers including Sustainable Earth by Staples (manufactured from 95% Sugarcane fibers), and Step Forward Paper (manufactured from 80% wheat straw). Both products reduce the need to harvest trees to produce paper.
Energy Consumption Down 3.66% in Q3
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. The retailer's 2013 goal is to reduce electrical consumption by 5% over 2012. As of Q3 electrical consumption was down 3.66% over 2012.
bullfrogpowered® Printers Program Helps Reduce Emissions by More Than 225 tonnes of CO2
This past fall, Staples Canada and Bullfrog Power partnered on the bullfrogpowered® Printers Program. Between September 25 and October 25 any inkjet printer purchased at a Staples store location came bullfrogpowered with 100% clean, pollution-free electricity for one full year, courtesy of Staples Canada. As a result of this program, Staples is helping to reduce emissions by more than 225 tonnes of CO2—one month's emissions from over 1,200 homes—and is expanding its support of new, green energy projects in Canada through Bullfrog Power. To learn more about the Staples and Bullfrog Power partnership, visit www.bullfrogpower.com/staples.
Commercial Division of Staples Grows Commitment to Sustainability
The commercial division of Staples is also committed to sustainability. Staples Advantage Canada holds a corporate registration in both ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO14001 (Environment) which allows it to evaluate, monitor and manage activities, products and services, and have a positive impact on the environment. In order to maintain these internationally recognized registrations, Staples Advantage will undergo an annual external audit in February 2014.
In Q3, Staples Advantage Canada has been recognized externally for its efforts in the Sustainability arena. There have been 6 external acknowledgements for its work on sustainability and making a positive impact on both the community and environment. Awards and recognition include:
In November, Staples Advantage Canada also released its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report.
About Staples Canada
Staples, Canada's largest office products company is committed to providing Canadians with a wide choice of office services and products. Serving all types of business—from the small home office to large enterprise—Staples makes it easy for customers to operate their offices efficiently and affordably by offering an extensive selection of office supplies, technology, electronics and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and maintenance, and copy and print services. Operating as Bureau en GrosMC in the province of Quebec and Staples Canada in all other provinces, the company employs over 15,000 associates at 330+ stores and at their head office in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Ranked as one of Canada's top ten Canadian companies in Marketing Magazine's Marketing/Leger 2013 Corporate Reputation Survey, Staples/Bureau en Gros is dedicated to offering customers the highest level of service, whether they choose to shop in-store, by catalogue or online. Staples Canada/Bureau en Gros also is invested in a number of corporate giving programs that actively support environmental, educational and entrepreneurial initiatives in Canadian communities from coast to coast. Visit www.staples.ca for more information, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter @StaplesCanada.
About Staples Advantage Canada
As the commercial division of Staples, Staples Advantage works with companies of 20 or more employees to develop customized programs with dedicated account management and a complete assortment of products and services to meet business needs.
The leading supplier in Canada, we work with our business partners to provide office supplies, technology products, facility supplies, furniture, and business services. Staples Advantage Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, with eight distribution centres across Canada. For more information, visit www.staplesadvantage.ca.
Image with caption: "Staples Canada brings awareness to the importance of battery recycling by collecting re-chargeable and alkaline batteries in all retail locations across Canada. (CNW Group/Staples Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131217_C5176_PHOTO_EN_35070.jpg
SOURCE: Staples Canada Inc.
Contact Madalina Secareanu, Marketing Communications Specialist, Staples Canada at 905 737 1147 ex. 2714.
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