Wal-Mart Canada Launches  Polystyrene Recycling Program

Wal-Mart Canada has launched a new polystyrene recycling program, which the company says is a significant step towards meeting its sustainability goal of producing zero waste.

Grace Canada, a producer of specialty construction materials, will collect used expandable polystyrene packaging from eight Wal-Mart Canada locations and reuse it in the production of its fire-resistant commercial insulation product.

Commonly referred to as Styrofoam, a trademarked brand of polystyrene thermal insulation material, polystyrene is a non-biodegradable plastic resin that takes hundreds of years to break down. Used commonly in product packaging, polystyrene has a high volume and low weight, which gives it a low scrap value, according to Wal-Mart Canada.

"As we work with our merchandise suppliers long-term to eliminate the polystyrene used in products and packaging, we're also looking at interim solutions to divert this waste from landfill," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Wal-Mart Canada. "We have ambitious sustainability goals and continue to seek innovative solutions in order to meet them. We've found an answer that is a triple win, for Wal-Mart Canada, Grace Canada and most importantly, the environment."

"This is an excellent example of the ‘zero waste’ thinking that we need here in Ontario,” said the Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of Environment. “Almost all waste materials have some value that can be recovered and turned into new products. I am encouraged that Wal-Mart Canada and Grace Canada have taken the lead on this exciting project."

According to Wal-Mart Canada, the company has in recent years adopted numerous waste diversion initiatives across its operations in order to minimize its environmental footprint. In-store, multi-stream waste diversion programs currently recycle paper fibers, beverage containers as well as plastic bags and film.

In 2007, Wal-Mart Canada diverted over 100,000,000 kilograms of waste from landfill and has seen an over 20 per cent increase in waste diversion already over last year, says the company.

"We're finding that sustainable change is key to the sustainability of the environment and our business," added Lawrence. "At the same time as our efforts are positively affecting the environment, we've also seen significant cost savings for our company, as a result of these programs, that we're then able to pass on to our customers."

Grace Canada will recycle the polystyrene at its Ajax plant using a proprietary process, pioneered by the company's in-house engineers. The company began recycling polystyrene at three North American plants, including Ajax, in 1997. To-date, Grace Canada and its parent company W. R. Grace & Co, have recycled over 34.9 million kilograms or 77 million pounds of foam polystyrene. The Ajax plant alone has the capacity to reuse approximately four million pounds of the material.

Source: Wal-Mart Canada