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Macy's to adopt recycled paper bags

18
Apr '08

Macy's Inc announced it will begin using recycled paper shopping bags at its Macy's stores, as well as biodegradable packaging for its online shipments, as part of the company's commitment to contribute to a more sustainable environment. The changes will phase-in beginning this month.

Macy's will replace the primary handled shopping bag used in its stores with one made from kraft paper with 30 percent recycled material. The new bag also is 100 percent recyclable. It replaces a laminated paper bag that is neither made from recycled content nor recyclable. In total, Macy's uses more than 43 million handled shopping bags each year.

In order to provide customers more options when making a purchase, all Macy's stores will begin carrying reusable tote bags made from 100 percent natural cotton. The totes, created in partnership with Cotton Incorporated, will sell for $3.95, with $1 of the purchase price donated to the National Park Foundation. On Saturday, April 26, the first 100 to 150 customers at every Macy's store will receive a free reusable tote bag.

The company's direct-to-consumer businesses - macys.com, bloomingdales.com and Bloomingdale's By Mail - will begin using loosefill in-the-box packing material that is 100 percent biodegradable, compostable and recyclable. The material is used to prevent damage to fragile merchandise as it is shipped to customers.

Previously, the company used "packing peanuts" (synthetic, non-biodegradable material) for this purpose. The new material is made from raw ingredients including pure corn and potato starch. It breaks down in water in nine minutes and will not harm the environment. Each year, Macy's, Inc. uses approximately 3.1 million cubic feet of in-the-box packing material.

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