The company is evaluating all packaging used at its stores to thoughtfully approach making any changes
It has already stopped offering single-use carryout bags for purchases at any of its stores
Following the path of several other retail and grocery chains, Trader Joe’s is apparently taking efforts to eliminate over 1 million pounds of plastic from all its stores in 2019. Reports indicate that around 95,400 people had signed a petition urging the company to take a stronger position on sustainability and adopt eco-friendly steps to cut down plastic use .
The company, on its part, has stated that it would be evaluating all of the packaging in its stores for making a thoughtful approach towards deciding on any changes. Supposedly, the grocery giant already has many strategies in place to curb plastic usage, such as replacement of plastic bags and Styrofoam packages in the produce section with compostable and biodegradable items, no more offering single-use carry bags for purchases at any of its stores, as well as educating customers regarding ways to dispose packaging materials responsibly.
Citing reliable sources, new steps have been planned for this year, including elimination of non-recyclable foil and plastic pouches from tea packages, replacing all Styrofoam trays used for meat with recyclable PET1 trays, substituting plastic greeting card sleeves as well as cut flower bags with renewable, compostable material and reducing the quantity of produce items being sold in plastic bags, like potatoes and apples.
By reducing its plastic footprint, Trader Joe’s would be able to enrich its already powerful in-store experience that its customers demand, sources remarked. The company said it believes this is a never-ending work and it is committed to sharing information on its progress openly.
Trader Joe’s, based out of Monrovia, California, has a sustainability strategy with the goal of eliminating harmful substances from packaging materials, the sources added. The company has seemingly informed its vendors to avoid the use of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates, Bisphenol A, Bisphenol S, Styrene, Polystyrene, Phthalates and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances.
