Wal-Mart Introduces Packaging Scorecard

As part of Wal-Mart’s continuing efforts to address its environmental footprint, the company established a goal to reduce packaging used by suppliers by 5% by 2013. In an effort to achieve this target, the retail behemoth has announced an innovative scorecard system. The scorecard will allow manufacturers to rank their current use of packaging. Scores will be given on several relevant categories including: greenhouse gas emissions produced per ton of packaging, raw material use, packaging size, recycled content, material recovery value, renewable energy use, transportation impacts, and innovation. Beginning in 2008, Wal-Mart will make purchasing decisions based on the scorecard results. Say what you will about Wal-Mart, but this policy will force manufacturers in a variety of sectors to reexamine their packaging processes. To see a demo of the scorecard system visit www.scorecardlibrary.com.