Wal-Mart’s support increases use of How2Recycle Label

The How2Recycle Label has jumped in membership numbers, which it credits to the support of retailer Wal-Mart, which has encouraged its private label suppliers to use labeling that helps consumers understand how to recycle products. By joining How2Recycle, suppliers can use the program's on-package recycling label to communicate to consumers how to recycle various types of packaging.

Jack Pestello, senior vice president, private brands, Wal-Mart U.S., says, "We believe a best practice is to use labeling that helps customers recycle, such as the How2Recycle label, to communicate the recyclability of a package. The How2Recycle label is also a great conversational tool between merchants and suppliers to discuss if a package is designed with recyclability in mind."

The How2Recycle Label now has more than 55 members. Consumers should expect to see the label on select Great Value and Equate products at Wal-Mart in the coming months.

"We cannot understate the importance of the support of retailers like Wal-Mart in the How2Recycle program, who are leveraging their influence in the supply chain to make a true difference to support the accuracy of recycling claims," says Kelly Cramer, senior manager at Sustainable Packaging Coalition, the organization behind the How2Recycle Label program. "We very much look forward to welcoming more suppliers to How2Recycle in the near future."

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition is a project of GreenBlue, based in Charlottesville, Virginia.