Co-op commits to reducing plastic use

April 4, 2022

Federated Co-operatives Limited, on behalf of 160 local Co-ops across Western Canada, has signed the Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), committing to reducing problematic plastics throughout our supply chain.

“Signing this Pact signals our collective commitment to focus on the sustainability of our communities in our business practices and to do our part as stewards of the environment,” explains Pam Skotnitsky, Vice-President, Strategy, FCL. “Reducing our use of plastic packaging materials will help ensure we are doing our part to pass a healthier planet on to future generations. At the end of the day, it’s the right thing to do.”     

While this partnership is new to the Co-operative Retailing System, reducing plastic use has been a focus for some time. For years now, Co-op has focused on finding environmentally friendly plastic alternatives. These changes have included switching to non-plastic, compostable straws, stir sticks, cutlery and take-out containers. Additionally, Co-ops have worked to eliminate plastic rings from our private label canned beverages and are providing customers with the option to use paper bags and reusable totes.

The Canada Plastics Pact focuses on bringing businesses, government and other key players together to create a circular economy for plastics in which plastic stays in the economy and out of the environment. The CPP has set clear, actionable targets for 2025:

• Take measures to eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging.
• 100% of plastic packaging is designed to be reusable, recyclable or compostable.
• 50% of plastic packaging is effectively recycled or composted
• 30% recycled content across all plastic packaging

Joining the CPP means Co-op is committed to achieving these targets.

“Reducing plastic pollution is something we all must take seriously to solve this problem and we can’t do it on our own. Co-op is excited to partner with the diverse organizations in the Canada Plastics Pact to find real, sustainable solutions to the challenges we face,” Skotnitsky shared.

While much progress has been made to reduce plastic use at Co-op, efforts will continue as more work is needed. Customers can continue to expect changes to instore packaging as we work to address these challenges and build sustainable communities together.