Wal-Mart Canada launches polystyrene recycling program

Wal-Mart Canada has announced that it is launching an “innovative” polystyrene recycling program, calling it a significant step towards meeting its sustainability goals.

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

“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 Wal-Mart Canada’s director of corporate social responsibility John Lawrence. “We’ve found an an answer that is a triple win, for Wal-Mart Canada, Grace Canada and most importantly, the environment.”

The move is the latest by Wal-Mart Canada to adopt waste diversion initiatives. According to the company, Wal-Mart Canada diverted over 100 million kilograms of waste from landfill and has seen a more than 20 per cent increase in waste diversion over the last year.

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.

The company has recycled over 34.9 million kilograms of foam polystyrene to date.

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