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By Jennifer Guhl
Walmart has announced that it is reducing packaging waste by hundreds of millions packages shipped each year.
Walmart plans to remove 65 million plastic bags from circulation by the end of this fiscal year. This is more than 2,050 tons of plastic. Walmart’s e-commerce has grown 27%. This rollout should be complete by the end of this year.
Walmart Fulfillment Service will ship orders from stores and marketplaces in paper bags that are recyclable. The cardboard packaging for orders placed online will also be the right size, while shipping options will be combined. Single-use plastic bag will no longer be used for pickups.
Walmart purchases produce from an indoor farm that was recently opened after making a large investment in the technology
Walmart has reduced waste by 26% through the use of right-sized packing technology. Customers will also be able consolidate orders in fewer boxes to reduce waste and the number of deliveries.
Walmart is committed to achieving zero emissions in 2040. This includes trucks used for long distances. In order to further its efforts, Walmart is using AI to find opportunities to fulfill purchases in their stores rather than at fulfillment centers. This reduces the number of miles that their delivery vehicles drive. Walmart uses electric cars and combines deliveries to achieve its goal of zero emissions. Jennifer Mckeehan is the senior vice-president of end-toend delivery at Walmart. She says that 90% of Americans are within 10 miles from a Walmart. According to Mckeehan, “by strategically utilizing our stores and our last-mile network, we are able to make a significant difference in waste and emission for our customers.”
The company’s extensive plan to become more regenerative aims to have a net positive impact on our planet by implementing its products and services. They have set a target of using 100% renewable energy in 2035. Currently, 46% of the company’s operations are powered by renewable energies.
Walmart has plans to use low-impact refrigeration in all of its clubs, stores, distribution centers, and data centers by 2040. It will also work with their suppliers to cut greenhouse gas emissions one gigaton. Over 5,500 suppliers reported that they have reduced or avoided emissions since 2017.
Walmart uses drones as a last mile delivery option, which is considered a greener alternative to trucks. They have already established hubs across seven states and in 26 municipalities as they expand this technology. Amazon also invests in drone technology to deliver packages. A new model will be available by 2024, and it can withstand more severe weather conditions.
