Wal-Mart Sets New Sustainability Mandates

(Journal of Commerce)

Retailer wants suppliers to cut emissions by 20 million metric tons by 2015

Wal-Mart announced an “aggressive” new environmental initiative across its supply chain Thursday, saying it will call on suppliers of its products to eliminate a total of 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the next five years.

Wal-Mart said the effort would run from sourcing of goods to transportation and packaging, adding new mandates to sustainability plans the world’s largest retailer has already launched across its sprawling distribution channels.

“Our analysis has shown that we have opportunities in many of our private label products and with our supply chain,” Mike Duke, Wal-Mart’s president and CEO said in prepared remarks.

“We will work closely and in cooperation with our suppliers throughout this effort,” he said.Read more here.