Staples

Policy:Adopted a retailer safer chemicals policy

6.25 out of 23.5 points

Staples has a public safer chemicals policy that outlines the retailer’s objectives to reduce chemicals of high concern (CHCs) and identifies specific priority chemicals, including some classes of chemicals (notably per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), flame retardants, phthalates, methylene chloride, n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP), trichloroethylene (TCE), and bisphenols), that the retailer will ask suppliers to focus on. The retailer notes that it will phase in requirements in the policy based on a number of criteria, including sales volume and customer interest, but the policy does not specify any restrictions already in effect. Nonetheless, Staples informed us that prior to the policy it eliminated certain CHCs from its private-label products. We are therefore awarding credit for having a beyond restricted substance list (BRSL) that applies to significant categories. Additionally, the retailer confirmed to us that it previously restricted all uses of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the packaging of its private-label products and pushed to eliminate PVC from binders, which we recognize with partial credit toward a beyond restricted material list (BRML) for one plastic of environmental health concern (PEHC).

The policy is limited to certain geographical units of the company and does not appear to apply, as specified in the criteria, to operations. The company has not set public quantifiable goals for reducing and eliminating chemicals of high concern (CHCs) or plastics of environmental health concern (PEHCs) and does not have a publicly available manufacturing restricted substance list (MRSL).

Glossary of Terms

Oversight: Established management responsibilities and incentives

2.5 out of 5 points

Staples reports having a clear line of senior executives responsible for the implementation of its safer chemicals policy, including VP-level executives with oversight for private brands and merchandising.

Staples does not appear to offer financial incentives for senior management to implement its safer chemicals policy.

Glossary of Terms

Accountability: Ensures supply chain accountability

2.5 out of 15 points

Staples informed us that prior to having a formal written safer chemicals policy, the company acted to prohibit several chemicals of high concern (CHCs), including chemical flame retardants, in its private-label products and that it regularly tests for compliance with this policy, earning points for one of the four elements.

The retailer has not disclosed that it incorporates its safer chemicals policy or beyond restricted substance list (BRSL) requirements in supplier contracts, that it trains suppliers on the company’s safer chemicals policy or BRSL requirements, or that it requires suppliers to conduct testing in third-party laboratories and provide results to the retailer to ensure suppliers comply with its safer chemicals policy or BRSL.

Glossary of Terms

Disclosure: Requires suppliers to report use of chemicals in products to retailer

5 out of 17.5 points

Staples informed us that it requires all suppliers to disclose every chemical in a product that triggers a California Proposition 65 warning (to the retailer, not the consumer). We consider this disclosure to be the equivalent of having mandatory disclosure of a company-created beyond restricted substance list (BRSL). An extra credit point is awarded for this disclosure being applicable to all product categories.

Glossary of Terms

Safer Alternatives: Evaluates safer alternatives, avoids regrettable substitutes

6.5 out of 16 points

Staples’ policy states an explicit preference for the use of safer alternatives in private-label and brand-name products, with the retailer “encourag[ing] our suppliers to work with their raw material suppliers to identify alternatives that are safer for our customers and the environment, using the most credible science and hazard evaluation tools available.” The retailer’s definition of safer alternative is generally aligned with our definition.

Glossary of Terms

Transparency: Demonstrates a commitment to transparency and public disclosure

8.25 out of 20 points

Staples’ safer chemicals policy and beyond restricted substance list (BRSL) are publicly available.

Staples’ policy formally encourages its suppliers to “provide chemical information on their packaging and/or web sites and to openly share information about chemicals on [its] Priority Chemicals of Concern List with customers when requested.” However, since this policy does not encourage full ingredient disclosure, we only award partial credit.

Glossary of Terms

Chemical Footprint: Evaluates its chemical footprint

1.5 out of 7.5 points

Staples was the first major retailer to become a signatory to the Chemical Footprint Project (CFP). However, since then, the company has not made any additional discernible progress on measuring its chemical footprint via the CFP.

Glossary of Terms

Third-party Standards: Promotes credible third-party standards for safer products

2.25 out of 8.5 points

Staples sells and features cleaning products that meet Safer Choice and Green Seal standards on its Sustainable Products website. The retailer’s policy also “encourage(s) our suppliers to seek credible third-party certifications that support safer and more environmentally responsible chemistry.” Although specific third-party standards are not identified, we have awarded partial credit.

Glossary of Terms