Staples Canada Releases Q3 2014 Sustainability Report

Retailer exceeds battery collection goals and launches exclusive green energy product online

TORONTO, Dec. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Staples Canada released its Q3 2014 sustainability report today. The company's corporate responsibility accomplishments include surpassing its battery collection goal of 100,000 kg in October and becoming the first to launch an exclusive Bullfrog Power green energy product for small businesses.

"Helping our customers make a difference is an integral part of our sustainability commitment, whether it's through our waste reduction programs or our product offerings," said Pete Gibel, senior vice president of merchandising at Staples Canada and Chair of the Staples Canada Environmental Committee. "Surpassing our battery collection goal in Q3 is a major accomplishment for us and our customers. Expanding our eco-responsible product range gives small businesses more ways than ever to improve their sustainability."

116,281 kilograms of batteries collected
Staples Canada partners with Call2Recycle to collect and recycle batteries (rechargeable and alkaline) at every Staples store. Collecting 116, 281 kg as of October, the retailer has surpassed its goal of collecting 100,000 kg of batteries in 2014. In Q3 alone, 35,030 kg batteries were collected, an increase of 48.2% over Q3 2013. In Q2 2014, 28,403 kg were collected.  

681,474 ink cartridges collected
Staples Canada offers customers the option to drop off used ink and toner cartridges at every store location. In Q3, 681,474 ink cartridges were collected, an increase of 8.7% from Q3 2013. In Q2, 710,134 ink cartridges were collected. The retailer surpassed its goal of collecting 5 million ink cartridges between Earth Day 2012 and Earth Day 2014. This year, Staples set a goal to collect 20 million cartridges by Earth Day 2016.  

Eco schools across the country are encouraged to order a free ink cartridge recycling bin through the Staples Canada School Recycling program to help collect and divert 100,000 cartridges by Earth Day 2015. The top 10 schools will receive Staples gift cards. For more information, visit staples.ca/environment or canadaschoolrecycling.ca.

1,001.35 metric tons of electronics collected
Staples Canada, alongside its national partner, eCycle Solutions, collects electronics in almost 260 retail locations, with nine locations added in 2013. In Q3, 1,001.35 metric tons of electronics were collected, an increase of 6.5% over Q3 2013. In Q2, 1,136.64 metric tons of electronics were collected. Staples Canada has set a goal of collecting 3,600 metric tons of electronics in 2014.  

19,311 writing instruments collected
Working with its exclusive partners, TerraCycle and Newell Rubbermaid, Staples Canada takes back used writing instruments such as pens, pencils, markers and highlighters. In Q3, 19,311 writing instruments were collected, an increase of 307.5% over Q3 2013. In Q2, 5,926 writing instruments were collected.  

Customers continue to divert 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 currently only active in certain areas of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. In Q3, 10,201.5 kg of electronics, 98,067 cartridges and 810.5 kg of batteries were collected. In Q2, 10,188.5 kg of electronics were collected, 122,175 cartridges and 104.7 kg of batteries.

Eco-responsible product assortment expanded
Staples carries a wide range of eco-responsible products, and develops and supports initiatives to reduce excess product packaging as part of its corporate responsibility strategy. Staples has recently expanded printing paper assortments in-store and online to include Forest Stewardship Council Certified (FSC) Hammermill Brand paper, manufactured by International Paper. New products include laser, inkjet laser and colour copy digital paper, ideal for premium quality printing. These products provide additional selection to a strong lineup of FSC and recycled content Staples Brand paper.

Staples and Me to We offer an exclusive line of eco-conscious products. For the Holiday season, a wide range of new Me to We products will be available in stores and online, including journals, planners, sketch books and calendars printed on a minimum of 30% post-consumer waste paper. Every purchase of a Me to We product makes a life-changing impact in a community overseas.

Sold exclusively on Staples.ca, TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes were added in Q3. With Zero Waste Boxes, Canadians can recycle more products than ever, such as broken pen holders, empty lipstick tubes, old filing accessories, rusty lawn and garden equipment, party decorations, old light bulbs, used coffee capsules and more.

The first Canadian retailer to launch an exclusive green energy offer for small businesses
In October 2014, Staples became the first to launch an exclusive green energy offering for small businesses at staples.ca. Now, small businesses can easily sign up for 100% green electricity from Bullfrog Power online to position their businesses as environmental leaders and prove to consumers that they care. 

On the Staples website, a small business can select its green electricity purchase based on the size of the business—either 18 MWh of green energy for companies with 1-10 employees, or 45 MWh of green energy for companies with 11-25 employees. When a business signs on for Bullfrog Power's green electricity, Bullfrog ensures that the electricity going onto the grid on behalf of the company is from clean, renewable sources. The business will immediately begin reducing its emissions footprint and can access Bullfrog's recognition tools and marketing templates to showcase its environmental leadership.

In Q2 2014, Staples Canada also announced its continued support of renewable energy by bullfrogpowering four Copy & Print Production Centres located in Burnaby, BC; Mississauga, ON; Laval, QC; and Calgary, AB, significantly reducing the environmental impact of its most energy-intensive copy and print jobs.

Staples Canada and Staples Advantage head offices, as well as 10 Staples stores nationwide have been bullfrogpowered with 100% clean, pollution-free energy since April 2013, making Staples the 10th largest commercial supporter of renewable energy through Bullfrog Power in Canada.

Emissions reduced by 4,888 metric tons of CO² in Q3 2014
Staples Canada continues to monitor energy consumption and actively works to conserve energy across the business by reducing overall energy costs and diversifying energy sources. In Q3 2014, Staples was able to reduce emissions by 4,888 metric tons of CO², the equivalent of almost 49 residential homes. 

About Staples 
Staples 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 or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy & Print services. Headquartered outside of Boston in the United States, with offices in Toronto, Canada, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples SPLS is available at www.staples.com and www.staples.ca. 

SOURCE Staples Canada Inc.