Staples Canada Releases Recent Sustainability Achievements

TORONTO, Feb. 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Staples Canada today released its Q3 sustainability update and recent environmental achievements. Highlights include a 12% increase in batteries collected in the quarter as the company surpassed its full-year collection goal.

"We are proud that, together with our customers, we continue to have a positive impact on our environment," said Pete Gibel, senior vice president of merchandising and Chair of the Staples Canada Environmental Committee. "We are working to ensure the products we sell are properly recycled when they reach end of life."  

127,892 kg of batteries diverted as of October 2015
Staples Canada partners with Call2Recycle to collect and recycle batteries (rechargeable and alkaline) in every Staples store. In Q3 2015, 39,158 kg batteries were collected, an increase of 12% over Q3 2014. As of October, 2015 battery collections totaled 127,892 kg – surpassing the retailer's 2015 collection goal of 125,000 kg.

Ink cartridge collection continues to be strong
Staples Canada gives customers the option to drop off used ink and toner cartridges at every store location. In Q3, 628,699 ink cartridges were collected.  

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.

1,014,425 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 Q3 2015, 1,014,425 kg of electronics were collected.

36,577 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. In Q3, 36,577 writing instruments were collected. Recycling writing instruments helps reduce the oil used in the plastic manufacturing process and keeps non-biodegradable materials out of landfills.

92,493 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 Q3, 92,493 ink cartridges, 55.3 kg of batteries and 17,481.0 kg of electronics were collected and diverted.

Emissions reduced by 2,653 metric tons of CO² in first two months of fiscal Q3 2015
Staples Canada monitors energy consumption and actively works to conserve energy across the business by reducing overall energy costs and diversifying energy sources.

• August electricity consumption: 1.3164 kWh / square foot (7.5% increase over same period in 2014)
• September electricity consumption: 1.2565 kWh / square foot (2.6% increase over same period in 2014)

Over August - September 2015, Staples Canada reduced emissions by over 2,653 metric tons of CO₂, the equivalent to:

• the annual energy use of over 242 residential homes
• the carbon sequestered by over 2,174 acres of forests in one year
• the annual greenhouse gas emissions of over 558 cars

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 Inc.

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