Walmart commended for championing How2Recycle labels

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition, Charlottesville, Va., said its How2Recycle membership-based program has experienced a jump in numbers because Walmart this year encouraged its private brand suppliers to use the program’s on-package recycling labels. How2Recycle is a U.S.-based standardized labeling system designed to clearly communicate recycling instructions to the public.

“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,” said Jack Pestello, senior vice president for private brands, Walmart USA, in a statement. “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 and is growing steadily, according to the coalition, which noted that consumers can expect to see the label on select Walmart Great Value and Equate products in the coming months.

“We cannot understate the importance of the support of retailers like Walmart 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,” said Kelly Cramer, a senior manager with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.