Key Findings
- Staples debuted a written safer chemicals policy in 2019, accompanied by a list of “priority chemicals of concern” that includes several classes of chemicals of high concern (CHCs). Unfortunately, this list is more aspirational than operational, with the retailer committing to work toward addressing these priority chemicals with no specific deadlines or guideposts included in the policy.
- Since November 2019, Staples has not provided any public updates on its implementation of the 2019 policy.
- Historically, the retailer had addressed several CHCs in its private-label products and continues to support collaborative efforts to address CHCs across the sector.
Recommendations for Staples
- Staples can make progress by transforming its list of priority chemicals into a beyond restricted substance list (BRSL), and setting public quantifiable goals with clear timelines for reducing and eliminating CHCs.
- While the company’s list includes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), toxic flame retardants, and phthalates, the retailer still needs to act to eliminate and safely replace these CHCs in the products it sells. The company should also eliminate plastics of environmental health concern (PEHCs) from its products and packaging materials, beyond its work on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), according to public quantifiable goals with clear timelines. Staples should publicly disclose the alternatives used to replace CHCs or PEHCs after eliminating them.
- Staples should build on becoming a signatory to the Chemical Footprint Project by piloting the survey with key private label suppliers.
Grade History
How does Staples compare to its competitors?
Analysis of Staples
Oversight: Established management responsibilities and incentives
Disclosure: Requires suppliers to report use of chemicals in products to retailer
Action: Reduced or eliminated chemicals of high concern (CHCs) or plastics of environmental health concern (PEHCs) within the last three years
Safer Alternatives: Evaluates safer alternatives, avoids regrettable substitutes
Transparency: Demonstrates a commitment to transparency and public disclosure
Third-party Standards: Promotes credible third-party standards for safer products
Extra Credit:
Joint Announcement: Public commitment demonstrated through joint announcement
Continuous Improvement: Shows continuous improvement by steadily expanding safer chemicals policy
Collaboration: Actively participates in collaborative process to promote safer chemicals
Impact Investment: Investing financial resources into independent research into safer alternatives and/or green chemistry solutions