SPLS Staples, Inc.

Keurig® brewers now accepted for recycling nationwide

TORONTO, June 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Staples Canada today released its Q1 sustainability update. Highlights include the launch of an in-store Keurig® brewer recycling program, a 32 percent increase in battery recycling and a 161.8 percent increase in writing instrument recycling.

"Our recycling program is a key component of our sustainability policy and we're continuing to look for ways to make an even greater impact," said Pete Gibel, senior vice president of merchandising and Chair of the Staples Canada Environmental Committee. "By expanding our e-waste recycling program to include Keurig brewers, we're offering customers more ways to be environmentally-conscious."

Writing Instrument Recycling Sees 161.8 percent Increase
Staples Canada makes it easy for customers to recycle everything from computers and office technology products, ink and toner cartridges, writing instruments, and rechargeable batteries. The company is committed to diverting materials from the waste stream. In Q1 2016 Staples, alongside its customers, helped divert:

• 49,068.7 kg of batteries: an increase of 32 percent over Q1 2015
• 52,819 writing instruments: a 161.8 percent increase over Q1 2015
• 964,470.18 kg of electronics: a 3.7 percent increase over Q1 2015 collections

Through the Driver Take Back program, Staples delivery drivers collect used batteries, electronics and ink cartridges from customers when delivering orders. The program is active in parts of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. In Q1 2016, 8,534.5 kg of electronics and 112,583 ink and toner cartridges were collected.  Overall, 680,414 ink cartridges were collected this past quarter by Staples Canada.

Keurig® Brewers Now Accepted at all Staples Canada Stores for Recycling
Following a successful pilot program, Staples Canada and Keurig have launched brewer recycling nationwide. Customers can visit any Staples Canada location to drop off end-of-life brewers for proper recycling. Staples e-waste recycling partner, eCycle Solutions, will recycle the brewers following the R2 environmental certification that ensures traceability and responsible recycling.

For a complete recycling solution, customers and businesses can purchase a TerraCycle® Coffee Capsules Zero Waste Box on staples.ca.

Emissions Reduced by 4,090 Metric Tons of CO₂ in Fiscal Q1 2016
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.

• February 2016 electricity consumption: 1.1640 kWh / square foot (4.2 percent decrease over same period in 2015)
• March 2016 electricity consumption: 1.1710 kWh / square foot (4.2 percent decrease over same period in 2015)
• April 2016 electricity consumption: 1.0821 kWh / square foot (0.8 percent decrease over same period in 2015)

Over Q1 2016, Staples Canada reduced emissions by over 4,090 metric tons of CO₂, the equivalent to:

• the annual energy use of 432 residential homes
• the carbon sequestered by 3,872 acres of forests in one year
• the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 864 cars

Staples and Vendors Make Eco-Responsible Products and Packaging a Priority  
Staples continues to work closely with its vendors to add new products which will augment the current assortment of eco-responsible product offerings, and where possible, to reduce excess product packaging.  With their combined commitment to creating a sustainable packaging program, Staples Canada vendors such as Crayola have eliminated PVC from their packaging and are working to eliminate PET and soft-plastic packaging by transitioning their key Markers, Twistable Crayons and Twistable Coloured Pencils to recyclable cardboard packaging. 

About Staples Canada/Bureau en Gros
Staples Canada/Bureau en Gros 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. Consistently ranked as one of Canada's top ten companies in Marketing Magazine's Marketing/Leger Corporate Reputation Survey, Staples/Bureau en Gros is dedicated to offering customers the highest level of service. Staples Canada/Bureau en Gros also is invested in a number of corporate giving programs that actively support environmental, educational and entrepreneurial initiatives in Canadian communities from coast to coast. Visit www.staples.ca for more information, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Staples Canada Inc.