Staples Canada Releases Q4 and Fiscal 2015 Sustainability Achievements

TORONTO, April 18, 2016 /CNW/ - Staples Canada today released its Q4 and fiscal 2015 sustainability update. Highlights include the collection and diversion of 3,325,507 ink and toner cartridges in 2015.

"Making a positive impact requires collaboration and commitment," said Pete Gibel, senior vice president of merchandising and Chair of the Staples Canada Environmental Committee. "Year over year, we're working alongside our partners and customers to grow our diversion numbers and 2015 was another milestone year for all of us."

154,120 kilograms of batteries diverted in fiscal 2015
Staples Canada partners with Call2Recycle to collect and recycle batteries (rechargeable and alkaline) in every Staples store. In Q4 2015, 44,593 kg of batteries were collected, an increase of 23.3% over Q4 2014. 154,120 kg of batteries were collected in fiscal 2015, an 18.7% increase over collections in fiscal 2014.

3,325,507 ink and toner cartridges diverted from landfills
Staples Canada gives customers the option to drop off used ink and toner cartridges at every store location. In Q4 2015, 779,929 ink cartridges were collected, a 28.1% increase over Q4 2014. 3,325,507 ink and toner cartridges were collected and diverted in 2015, a 23.9% increase over collections in fiscal 2014.

Eco-conscious schools across the country are encouraged to order a free recycling bin through the Staples Canada School Recycling program to help collect and divert ink and toner cartridges from landfills. For more information, visit staples.ca/environment or canadaschoolrecycling.ca.

4,140,463 kilograms of electronics collected
Keeping electronics from landfill sites helps ensure that lead, mercury and other harmful substances are kept out of the water supply. Staples Canada, alongside its national partner, eCycle Solutions, collects electronics at 265 Staples locations. In Q4 2015, 1,087,050 kg of electronics were collected. Total collections for 2015 were 4,140,463 kg.

142,188 writing instruments collected
Working with its exclusive partners, TerraCycle and Newell Rubbermaid, Staples Canada accepts used writing instruments such as pens, pencils, markers and highlighters for recycling. 44,097 writing instruments were collected in Q4 2015, a 231.2% increase over Q4 2014 collections. In 2015, 142,188 units were collected, a 269.0% increase over 2014. Recycling writing instruments helps reduce the oil used in the plastic manufacturing process and keeps non-biodegradable materials out of landfills.

442,353 ink cartridges collected through the Driver Take Back Program
Through the Driver Take Back program, Staples delivery drivers collect used batteries, electronics and ink cartridges from customers when delivering orders. The program is active in parts of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. In Q4, 138,166 ink cartridges, 55.8 kg of batteries and 23,660.0 kg of electronics were collected and diverted. In fiscal 2015, 70,598.1 kg of electronics, 442,353 ink cartridges and 248.1 kg of batteries were collected and diverted.

Emissions reduced by 3,844 metric tons of CO₂ in Q4 2015
Staples Canada continues to monitor energy consumption and actively works to conserve energy across the business by reducing overall energy costs and diversifying energy sources.

• November 2015 electricity consumption: 1.0812 kWh / square foot (7.2% decrease over same period in 2014)
• December 2015 electricity consumption: 1.1640 kWh / square foot (5.9% decrease over same period in 2014)
• January 2016 electricity consumption: 1.2567 kWh / square foot (5.1% decrease over same period in 2015) 
• Fiscal 2015 electricity consumption: 1.1953 kWh / square foot (25.7% decrease over calendar 2014)

Over November 2015 – January 2016, Staples Canada reduced emissions by over 3,844 metric tons of CO₂, the equivalent to:

• the annual energy use of 351 residential homes
• the carbon sequestered by 3,151 acres of forests in one year
• the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 809 cars

In fiscal 2015, Staples Canada reduced emissions by over 15,110 metric tons of CO₂, the equivalent to:

• the annual energy use of 1,379 residential homes
• the carbon sequestered by 12,385 acres of forests in one year
• the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 3,181 cars

Staples Copy & Print continues to invest in eco-conscious paper choices
Staples is committed to offering customers environmentally responsible Copy & Print services and options, including recycled and Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC) certified paper options. Staples Canada also uses Glatfelter NatureSolv™ based carbonless paper for all of its in-house multi-part forms and carbonless printing. Forrest Stewardship Council certified, Glatfelter NatureSolv™ uses natural organic solvents, and does not use known irritants such as formaldehyde or kerosene. Since 2013, Staples Copy & Print Centres have printed over 1.4 million sets of carbonless multi-part forms.

About Staples Canada/Bureau en Gros
Staples Canada/Bureau en Gros makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it's in-store, online, on mobile devices, or through the company's innovative buy online, pick up in store option. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and Print services. Consistently ranked as one of Canada's top ten companies in Marketing Magazine's Marketing/Leger Corporate Reputation Survey, Staples/Bureau en Gros is dedicated to offering customers the highest level of service. 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.

SOURCE Staples Canada

Madalina Secareanu, Staples Canada, 905 737 1147 ex. 2714, [email protected]