Co-op commits to reducing plastic use

(April 4, 2022) Saskatoon – Federated Co-operatives Limited, on behalf of 160 local Co-ops across Western Canada, has signed the Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), committing to reducing problematic plastics throughout our supply chain.  

“Signing this Pact signals our collective commitment to focus on the sustainability of our communities in our business practices and to do our part as stewards of the environment,” explains Pam Skotnitsky, Vice-President, Strategy, FCL. “Reducing our use of plastic packaging materials will help ensure we are doing our part to pass a healthier planet on to future generations. At the end of the day, it’s the right thing to do.”      

While this partnership is new to the Co-operative Retailing System, reducing plastic use has been a focus for some time. For years now, Co-op has focused on finding environmentally friendly plastic alternatives. These changes have included switching to non-plastic, compostable straws, stir sticks, cutlery and take-out containers. Additionally, Co-ops have worked to eliminate plastic rings from our private label canned beverages and are providing customers with the option to use paper bags and reusable totes.  

The Canada Plastics Pact focuses on bringing businesses, government and other key players together to create a circular economy for plastics in which plastic stays in the economy and out of the environment. The CPP has set clear, actionable targets for 2025: 

• Take measures to eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging. 
• 100% of plastic packaging is designed to be reusable, recyclable or compostable. 
• 50% of plastic packaging is effectively recycled or composted 
• 30% recycled content across all plastic packaging 

Joining the CPP means Co-op is committed to achieving these targets. 

“Reducing plastic pollution is something we all must take seriously to solve this problem and we can’t do it on our own. Co-op is excited to partner with the diverse organizations in the Canada Plastics Pact to find real, sustainable solutions to the challenges we face,” Skotnitsky shared. 

While much progress has been made to reduce plastic use at Co-op, efforts will continue as more work is needed. Customers can continue to expect changes to instore packaging as we work to address these challenges and build sustainable communities together. 

About Federated Co-operatives Limited and the Co-operative Retailing System

Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), based in Saskatoon, is focused on providing more than 160 local Co-ops across Western Canada with strategy and leadership, wholesaling, manufacturing, logistics, operational support, business-enabling services and marketing support. Together, FCL and those local co-operatives form the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS). The CRS serves our members and communities with products and services that help build, feed and fuel individuals and communities from Vancouver Island to northwestern Ontario. Our total workforce of 24,000 employees serve 1.9 million active individual members and many more non-member customers at 1,500 retail locations in more than 620 communities. We are a different kind of business – we are locally invested, community-minded and offer lifetime membership benefits including patronage refunds, quality products, quality service and fair prices. More information is available at www.fcl.crs and www.co-op.crs.  

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