Independent food retailers across the United States have an opportunity to fund store upgrades that reduce operational costs, improve profits and enhance sustainability. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants to rural small businesses for energy efficiency improvements (such as HVAC, lighting, and refrigeration) and renewable […]
Category: Sustainability News
Sustainability news for grocery retailers and suppliers: recycling, packaging, food waste, energy and emissions.
See all our sustainability coverage in Sustainability.
Posted inPackaging News, Northeast, Sustainability News
New ShopRite Recycling Kiosks Accept Flexible Packaging
ShopRite and its private label brands, Paperbird and Bowl & Basket, are collaborating with P&G, Purina, Campbell’s Snacks and TerraCycle to launch a recycling program for flexible-film plastic packaging at five of the grocer’s stores in New Jersey. The kiosks offer customers a place to drop off all types of otherwise hard-to-recycle flexible packaging. The […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Midwest, Sustainability News
Solar Field To Boost Fareway Sustainability Efforts
A new partnership has given Fareway Stores access to solar power after Alliant Energy placed a one-megawatt Fareway Solar Field – consisting of about 2,000 solar panels – at the grocer’s distribution center in Boone Industrial Park. The energy company will own, operate and maintain the Fareway Solar Field as part of the Alliant Energy […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Sustainability News, Weis Markets
Weis Markets Reports Progress in 2023 Sustainability Report
Weis Markets has released its 2023 Sustainability Report: Doing Good for Food, Friends and Nature, which details the company’s progress in reducing its overall environmental impact in its seven-state market area. The report reviews Weis Markets’ continued efforts to conserve resources, embrace green design and reduce environmental impact. Since 2008, the company has reduced its […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Sustainability News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Showcases Sustainability Efforts
This Earth Week, Heritage Grocers Group is showcasing its efforts to create lasting and positive sustainability impacts that benefit customers, team members and communities where the Hispanic grocer continues to grow and operate. As a company, Heritage prioritizes its people and the planet. By combining employee empowerment with data-driven sustainability initiatives, its leadership team is […]
Posted inBig Y Foods, Grocery Store Layout, Independent Store News, Northeast, Sustainability News
Big Y’s Store Remodels Focus On Sustainability First
Big Y has been making significant strides in enhancing its stores across the region, opening 26 locations since 2022. These remodels align with the company’s broader strategy to focus on sustainability and modernize its retail spaces to create a more enjoyable shopping experience. The new store design incorporates modern elements to inspire guests and reflect […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, SpartanNash, Sustainability News
SpartanNash Expands Plastic Bag Recycling For Earth Day
SpartanNash is joining forces with Home Repair Services and Trex Co. to transform recycled plastic grocery bags from its stores into five accessible home ramps for local veterans with disabilities in honor of Earth Day. “The upcycling of plastic bags into accessible ramps for veterans with disabilities is a ‘People First’ program that gives our nation’s heroes the gift of […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Southeast, Sustainability News
SEG Celebrates Earth Month, ESG Progress
Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG) is celebrating its progress and commitment to fostering stronger communities and a healthier world with the release of its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. To continue making a difference in its communities, the grocer is donating 33,500 reusable bags and supporting local conservation efforts through volunteerism and monetary donations […]
Posted inPackaging News, National, Sustainability News
Coca‑Cola Co. Debuts Lightweight PET Bottle Designs
As part of a commitment to create a circular economy for its packaging, The Coca‑Cola Co. is rolling out redesigned, lighter-weight PET bottles for its sparkling beverage portfolio across the U.S. and Canada this year. For the first time in a decade, 12-, 16.9- and 20-ounce bottles of Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta – as well […]
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest, Sustainability News
H-E-B Commemorates Earth Month With Expanded Support
In commemoration of Earth Month, H-E-B has announced its 2024 Community Recycling Grant recipients and has expanded multiple environmental programs across Texas. Guided by its Our Texas, Our Future commitment, H-E-B’s mission is to increase awareness and adoption of sustainability efforts that help preserve Texas’s land, water and air, now and for generations to come. Community recycling […]
Posted inPackaging News, Southeast, Sustainability News
DS Smith Introduces Shop.able Carriers For Grocery Shopping
DS Smith has introduced Shop.able Carriers, a line of recyclable, reusable boxes for supermarkets that replaces plastic shopping bags. They help provide consumers with a more sustainable and convenient packaging solution for grocery shopping. The durable, stackable boxes – designed and manufactured by sustainable fiber-based packaging producer DS Smith – feature the company’s patented, food-safe and water-resistant […]
Posted inProduce News, Sustainability News, West
The Save Mart Companies, Flashfood Partner To Reduce Waste
Flashfood has partnered with The Save Mart Companies to divert food waste from landfills by offering reduced prices on groceries nearing their sell-by date. The Flashfood app is available at 44 Lucky stores in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and will expand to all of The Save Mart Companies’ banner locations in California and […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, National, Sustainability News
AI ‘On The Tip Of Every Tongue’ Within Grocery Industry
Technology, sustainability, asset protection and implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act’s traceability rule are among areas of concern for the grocery industry, according to Doug Baker, VP of industry relations at FMI – The Food Industry Association. Baker talked with The Griffin Report’s Maggie Kaeppel during the recent FMI Midwinter Executive Conference. Baker said […]
Posted inCoborn's, Frozen Food, Midwest, Sustainability News
Coborn’s, Hillphoenix Team Up For Presentation At NGA Show
St. Cloud, Minnesota-based Coborn’s and Hillphoenix will give a presentation during The NGA Show on how grocers can navigate the upcoming changes from the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. The presentation, set for 8:45-9:30 a.m. March 11, centers on how Coborn’s countered the AIM Act by switching to CO2. It will feature Chris Braun, Coborn’s […]
Posted inSustainability News, Center Store, National
Kellanova To Achieve 90% Renewable Electricity In 2024
Kellanova, formerly known as Kellogg Co., is on track to reach its goal of creating a climate-positive future, including achieving 100 percent renewable electricity in its manufacturing facilities by the end of 2030. This step is part of Kellanova’s Better Days Promise. Ninety percent renewable electricity in North America The company’s Kellanova-owned North America manufacturing […]
Posted inNatural Grocers, Southwest, Sustainability News
Free Nutrition Education Tops Natural Grocers’ ESG Report
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. has released its environmental, social and governance (ESG) report for fiscal year 2023. In its third annual ESG report, the specialty retailer emphasizes its support for practices that promote environmental sustainability, human health and community well-being, including new product standards. Founded in 1955, the retailer said it believes that […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Feature, Independent Store News, Southeast, Sustainability News
Publix Removes Invasive Plants From Florida Everglades
Publix is contributing $2 million to remove invasive trees and plants in 1,000 acres of wetlands in the Florida Everglades. These trees and plants use more than their share of water, interrupting Florida’s natural water system. The company is funding projects at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the saline glades in Everglades National Park that will […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Midwest, Sustainability News
Fareway Committed To Community, Giving Back In Many Ways
By Carol Radice As a Midwest grocery company, being a partner in the community is important to the leadership team at Fareway. From supporting volunteerism to environmental stewardship, the grocer is heavily devoted to the neighborhoods in which it operates. Some companies simply donate money to community causes, but at Fareway giving back and community […]
Posted inCenter Store, Sustainability News, West
Clearwater Paper Shares Progress In 2023 Sustainability Report
Clearwater Paper Corp. has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, an annual update on the company’s progress against its multi-year sustainability goals. The report also announces Clearwater Paper’s new strategic sustainability framework, “Everyday Responsibility.” This strategy centers the company’s sustainability work and initiatives on three distinct pillars: resource stewardship, trusted products and thriving people and communities. “Our […]
Posted inSustainability News, Southwest
Sysco Introduces ‘One Planet. One Table’ Product Line
Houston-based Sysco Corporation has launched its “One Planet. One Table.” assortment, the largest offering of certified and sustainably focused products. The Sysco “One Planet. One Table.” assortment includes more than 3,000 items across 15 categories that are: Backed by one of more than 20 sustainability certifications and standards; Included in Sysco’s sustainability commitments […]