Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Wegmans today announced its commitment to reduce in-store plastic packaging made from fossil fuels, along with other single-use plastics, like straws, by 2 million pounds in 2019, with a goal of a 10-million-pound reduction by 2024.
The supermarket chain says it will eliminate some current plastic packaging and replace it with materials made from plant-based renewable fiber. Wegmans says it will also continue to work closely with The Center for Sustainable Packaging at Rochester Institute of Technology to identify new opportunities and packaging innovations.
“We’re taking measurable steps to improve and implement programs that increase our recycling rate, minimize waste, and help make a difference in every community we serve,” said Jason Wadsworth, Wegmans packaging and sustainability manager. “One area we’re paying particular attention to is packaging. We need to ensure packaging is functional and performs as expected, which is key to reducing food waste. But, it must also use materials efficiently and responsibly, and be recyclable whenever possible.”
Wegmans has already made the switch from plastic straws and drink stir sticks to renewable fiber alternatives at all its stores and corporate worksites.
In New York State, Wegmans plans to eliminate the use of plastic grocery bags in advance of the state ban that takes effect on March 1, 2020. “By the end of this year, we will eliminate the use of plastic grocery bags in our New York State stores,” said Wadsworth. “We want to get out ahead of this because we have a lot to learn from our customers about how we can help them make the shift to reusable bags, which are far better than paper bags for the environment.”
Wegmans says the elimination of plastic bags in New York State will not be counted toward the company’s plastic-reduction commitment for 2019 or its 2024 goal.