Retailer’s actions will drive dangerous chemicals out of thousands of household products
Today Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, announced an updated Sustainable Chemistry policy to eliminate toxic chemicals in thousands of products such as household cleaners, cosmetics and skincare items, and infant products. This policy includes new goals for the company to restrict over 2,700 harmful chemicals in household products by 2022, increase transparency of ingredients globally, and encourage suppliers to certify their products to credible third-party standards such as EPA Safer Choice. The updated policy applies to 90,000 products from 700 suppliers.
Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Mind the Store Campaign Director Mike Schade issued the following statement in response:
“We commend Walmart for updating its safer chemicals policy and setting new goals with a clear timeframe for suppliers to reduce the use of millions of pounds of toxic chemicals. The company continues to show impressive leadership in leveraging its influence to transform the marketplace. Walmart’s new policy will increase transparency around chemicals in products and drive the elimination of dangerous chemicals in household cleaning, cosmetics, and infant products. This will send ripple effects throughout global supply chains. We hope Walmart’s new policy will help inspire other major retailers to follow suit and mind the store.”
Last November, the Mind the Store campaign released a report card evaluating the largest retailers’ safer chemicals programs. Walmart is the latest retailer to announce progress in restricting harmful chemicals. Since January, Best Buy, Costco, CVS, and Target have all announced new initiatives to address harmful chemicals in products.
For interviews with Mike Schade, please contact CJ Frogozo at cj@drakecommms.us or 310 570 2622.
For background visit MindTheStore.org
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