Plastics and Packaging

Sobeys Commitment

We continue to work with cross functional internal teams, and with valued community and industry partners to determine how we can best address the volume of materials that are present in our stores.

Our Approach

We have launched several initiatives that are working towards our commitment to reduce plastics. For instance:

  • We introduced our new plastic checkout bag made with 30% less plastic, reducing the amount of plastic used by the equivalent of 33 million checkout bags
  • Launched a reusable container pilot in 12 stores in Quebec
  • Diverted over 1 million kgs of plastic bags from landfills by converting them into decking and furniture through the TREX Recycling Program
  • Started eliminating plastic mini-cucumber trays – which were replaced with 100% recycled paper trays that are recyclable and biodegradable
  • We continue to encourage customers to use reusable bags and post signage in our parking lots and entry ways as reminders

Grocery Bags

In July 2019, Sobeys committed to removing plastic grocery bags from all Sobeys grocery stores by January 2020. With this announcement we will be taking 225 million plastic grocery bags out of circulation!

This commitment aims at curbing future use of plastics in grocery stores, which is just one piece of removing all avoidable plastic in our retail stores. With our partners and suppliers we are working through a variety of initiatives to transition our stores to reduce plastics in all areas.

Some examples of what we’ve been working on:

  • A new line of reusable, mesh produce bags made from recycled water bottles will be available as of August 2019 to provide another reusable bag solution, and cut down single-use plastic waste.
  • In-store plastic bag recycling programs in Atlantic Canada and Western Canada.
  • IGA stores on Montreal Island will be piloting a campaign in August to encourage reusable bag adoption with initiatives such as:
    • Designated parking spots for customers who bring reusable bags
    • A program allowing customers to “rent” reusable bags from IGA stores for a returnable deposit
    • Promotional IGA offers on reusable bags and boxes to encourage customer use
  • Beginning in September 2019, all IGA stores in Quebec will also accept reusable containers for all fresh product purchases.
  • Partnering with Enactus Canada on a Social Enterprise Accelerator. The program will seek to challenge young Canadians to find innovative alternatives to plastic use, work towards more sustainable operations, and drive behavioural change.

Pulp and Paper

Pulp and paper are used in a variety of private label products, including bath tissue and paper towel. However, the majority of our use of pulp and paper is in fiber-based packaging used for these products.

Sobeys has developed responsible sourcing guidelines for pulp and paper and continues to work with and support our procurement teams in making decisions that minimize our impacts. Sobeys also sources office paper certified by either the Forest Stewardship Council or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Extended Producer Responsibility

Sobeys participates in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs across the country through which we fund the majority of the cost of recycling packaging materials used in our private label products.

We continue to enhance our sustainability by:

  • Assessing alternative materials and designs
  • Decreasing packaging weight and increasing recyclability
  • Sourcing packaging materials responsibly
  • Click here to learn more about how our Compliments 500mL and 1.5L water bottles use 100% recycles plastic through our closed loop recycling program.