SPLS Staples, Inc.

• Over 8 million ink cartridges diverted since 2012
• Nearly 4 million kilograms of electronics collected
  

TORONTO, April 21, 2015 /CNW/ - Staples Canada released today its full-year 2014 sustainability update. Accomplishments include diverting over 8 million ink cartridges since 2012 and collecting nearly 4 million kilograms of e-waste.

"Offering our customers sustainable options continues to be a focus for us, and 2014 proved to be another milestone year for ink and electronics recycling," said Pete Gibel, senior vice president of merchandising at Staples Canada and Chair of the Staples Canada Environmental Committee. "Together with our customers, we've been able to make significant progress and, as our recycling programs and offerings continue to grow, we'll continue to help businesses and consumers make a greater impact on environment."

129,887 kilograms of batteries collected
Staples Canada partners with Call2Recycle to collect and recycle batteries (re-chargeable and alkaline) in every Staples store. Collecting 129,887 kg, the retailer has surpassed its goal of collecting 100,000 kg of batteries in 2014. In Q4 alone 36,159 kg batteries were collected, an increase of 42.7% over Q4 2013.

2,685,004 ink cartridges collected
Staples Canada gives customers the option to drop off used ink and toner cartridges at every store location.  In 2014, 2,685,004 cartridges were collected, with 608,711 cartridges being collected in Q4 alone. In Q3, 681,474 ink cartridges were collected. Since 2012, the retailer has collected a total of 8,293,225 cartridges. 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. For more information, visit staples.ca/environment or canadaschoolrecycling.ca.

3,947,240 kilograms of electronics collected
Staples Canada, alongside its national partner, eCycle Solutions, collects electronics at 278 retail locations. Collecting 3,947,240 kg, Staples Canada exceeded its goal of collecting 3,600,000 kg of electronics in 2014. In Q4 alone, 972,656 kg collected, a 16.3% increase over Q4 2013. In Q3 2014, 1,012,227 kg of electronics were collected.

52, 865 writing instruments collected; new school recycling solution being launched  
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, 52,865 writing instruments were collected, with 19,075 writing instruments collected in Q4, an increase of 22.2% over Q4 2013. In Q3 19,311 writing instruments were collected.

Staples has also partnered with TerraCycle on a new writing instrument recycling solution for schools. Starting in mid-May 2015, schools will be able to visit their local store and sign up to receive a free collection box. Schools can then collect end-of-use writing instruments and bring them back to their local store for proper recycling.

429,027 ink cartridges collected 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 Q4, 41,021.50 kg of electronics, 429,027 cartridges and 1,521.30 kg of batteries were collected. In Q3, 10,201.5 kg of electronics, 98,067 cartridges and 810.5 kg of batteries were collected.

Over 5,000 products with recycled content now available
Staples continues to offer a wide range of eco-responsible products whether it's in-store or at staples.ca.  Over 5,000 different products featuring recycled content are currently available, including:

• Staples® 100% Recycled Storage Boxes, 4/Pack: made with 100% recycled materials
• Staples® 100% Recycled Poly Report Cover, Assorted Colours: made with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic
• Post-it® Super Sticky Recycled Notes, Bora Bora Collection: made with 30% post-consumer content
• Staples® 30% Recycled FSC-Certified Copy Paper: made with 30% post-consumer recycled content

Products featuring third party environmental certifications from organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council, The Sustainable Forestry Initiative, The Rainforest Alliance, & Eco-Logo form an important component of Staples customer offerings in all channels.  Staples Brand Forest Stewardship Certified Multiuse Paper continues to be a top seller, and a favourite of both small businesses and consumers.  Staples continues to work closely with suppliers to add new products which will augment the current assortment of eco-responsible product offerings, and where possible, to reduce excess product packaging. 

Staples Canada and TerraCycle earn a Top Product of the Year Award from Environmental Leader
For offering over 100 Zero Waste Boxes on staples.ca, and their commitment to giving customers the ability to recycle more products than ever before, Staples Canada and TerraCycle have earned a Top Product of the Year Award from Environmental Leader.

The Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards is a program recognizing excellence in products and services that provide companies with energy and environmental benefits, or in projects implemented by companies that improved environmental or energy management and increased the bottom line.

Emissions reduced by 14,631.63 metric tons of CO² in 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 2014, Staples Canada reduced emissions by over 14,631.63 metric tons of CO², the equivalent to over 146 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, on mobile devices, or through the company's innovative buy online, pick-up in store option. 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 (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com and www.staples.ca. 

SOURCE Staples Canada Inc.