Walmart expo spurs sustainable end-cap

Walmart collaborates with supplier of cellulose-based packaging material and Lucky Budda Beer to design a sturdy, recyclable end cap for select Walmart stores.

Pw 82036 Budda

In April 2014, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. President and CEO Doug McMillon invited top executives from major suppliers to the company’s Sustainable Packaging Expo and challenged them to collaborate to explore more sustainable practices and products. A number of suppliers made commitments; among them were goals to advance standards for more sustainable in-store marketing materials and point-of-purchase displays.

As a result of this challenge, Walmart, Lucky Buddha Beer—the second fastest-growing import beer brand in U.S. supermarkets—and Noble Environmental Technologies collaborated to create sustainable end-cap retail displays made with Noble’s ECOR® bio-based material that will be placed in select Walmart stores.

“In 2005, Walmart took on the three aspirational sustainability goals that encompass all areas of our operations and products, including energy, waste, and sustainable products,” says Manuel Gomez, Vice President of Sustainability for Wal-Mart Stores. “Since those goals were communicated, we’ve aggressively worked to address waste in our own operations as well as in the products we sell and associated packaging. That’s why we’re pleased Lucky Buddha Beer has worked with Noble Environmental Technologies to develop this sustainable point-of-purchase display that will appear in select U.S. Walmart stores and will support our commitment to reach zero waste to landfill by 2025 in our operations.”

Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Conveyor setup secrets from top CPG manufacturers
7 proven steps to eliminate downtime and boost packaging line efficiency. Free expert playbook reveals maintenance, sequencing, and handling strategies.
Read More
Conveyor setup secrets from top CPG manufacturers