Staples Canada Releases Q2 2014 Sustainability Accomplishments

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The retailer expands its commitment to renewable energy through Bullfrog Power

TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - Staples Canada announced today an expansion to its Bullfrog Power partnership to include four Copy & Print Production Centre locations.  The company also announced its Q2 2014 sustainability achievements. 

Beginning September 2014, Staples Canada is expanding its partnership with Bullfrog Power to support renewable energy by bullfrogpowering  its Copy & Print Production Centres located in Burnaby, BC; Mississauga, ON; Laval, QC and Calgary, AB. Staples Canada will be significantly reducing the environmental impact of its most energy-intensive copy and print jobs.

"Renewable energy is a key priority in our corporate social responsibility strategy, complementing our sustainable product sourcing and consumer recycling programs," said Pete Gibel, vice president of merchandising at Staples Canada and Chair of the Staples Canada Environmental Committee. "Our 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, and  we're thrilled to be expanding our commitment to clean, renewable electricity."

Staples' support of renewable energy is reducing more than 1,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. This is equivalent to the electricity-related carbon emissions of just over 1,000 Canadian homes. Through this partnership, Bullfrog Power injects clean, renewable electricity onto the grid to match the amount of energy these facilities use. Staples is the 10th largest commercial supporter of renewable energy through Bullfrog Power in Canada.

Waste diversion and eco-responsible products continue to be a focus

28,403 kilograms of batteries diverted from landfills
Staples Canada partners with Call2Recycle to collect and recycle batteries (re-chargeable and alkaline) in every Staples store. The retailer has set a goal of collecting 100,000 kg of batteries in 2014. In Q2 2014, 28,403 kg were collected, an increase of 13.6% over Q2 2013. In Q1 2014, 30,295 kg of batteries were collected and diverted.

710,134 ink cartridges collected
Staples Canada gives customers the option to drop off used ink and toner cartridges at every store location.  In Q2, 710,134 ink cartridges were collected, an increase of 3.7% from Q1 2014 where 684,685 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.

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.

1,136.64 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 Q2, 1,136.64 metric tons of electronics were collected, an increase of 36.2% over Q2 2013 and 38.4% over Q1 2014 where 821.10 metric tons were collected. Staples Canada has set a goal of collecting 3,600 metric tons of electronics in 2014. 

5,926 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 2014, Staples expects the program to grow considerably and hopes to collect 70,000 units. In Q2, 5,926 writing instruments were collected, an increase of 92.2% over Q2 2013.  Q1 2014, Staples collected 8,553 units.

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 Q2 10,188.5 kg of electronics were collected, 122,175 cartridges and 104.7 kg of batteries. In Q1 2014, the Driver Take Back Program helped collect and divert 16,624.5 kg of electronics, 102,140 cartridges and 467.7 kg of batteries.

More eco-responsible product choices offered during back-to-school
Staples continues to carry a wide range of eco-responsible products and continues to develop and support initiatives to reduce excess product packaging. 

In June, Staples announced an exclusive line of socially conscious and eco-friendly school supplies in partnership with Acco and Me to We. With the purchase of a Me to We product at Staples, Canadian consumers direct a percentage of proceeds to a family or child from a Free The Children community in Latin America, Africa or Asia.  Also during the back-to-school season, Staples offers the following eco-responsible products:

Staples continues to increase the assortment and sales of eco-responsible copy and printer paper.  In Q2, 2014, over 50% of all copy and printer paper sold in Staples featured recycled content or a third party certification such as Forest Stewardship Council, or both.

Business cards and postcards made from 100% recycled materials are now available at Staples Copy & Print Centres and Step Forward 80% Wheat Straw Copy Paper is being added as a paper option for both in-store and online orders in September. Xstamper Custom Stamps, made from 100% recycled plastic are also now available through Staples Copy & Print.

Staples has also recently completed a transition to more eco-responsible and attractive packaging for the Staples brand surge protector category, featuring reduced plastic content.

Emissions reduced by 6,097 metric tons of CO² in Q2 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 Q2 2014, Staples was able to reduce emissions by 6,097 metric tons of CO², the equivalent to almost 61 residential homes.

Through its Lights Out program, Staples stores operate under reduced light levels during the summer months of June and July. This year, 219 stores participated resulting in a reduction of 736,130 kWh.

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 and 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.

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