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In today’s world, the management of waste has become a critical issue, leading to overflowing landfills, pollution, resource depletion, GHG emissions and human health problems. The OECD defines waste as materials that no longer hold value for their generator. Therefore, waste is not just about what we discard; it’s about what we choose to value. According to the World Bank, global waste generation is projected to reach a staggering 3.40 billion tons by 2050, with a third of current waste mismanaged through open dumping or burning. This trend is particularly evident in regions like North America, where urbanization rates and waste generation levels are high. Traditional linear models of consumption and disposal are no longer sustainable, necessitating a shift towards circularity.
As a company, in 2020, we made public our ambition to become a Regenerative Company, placing people and the planet at the center to fulfill our purpose of helping people save money and live better. Fostering a circular economy is one of the priorities of the sustainability strategy. At Walmart de México y Centroamérica, we are dedicated to the transition towards a circular economy, based on the following commitments: zero waste, food waste reduction, sustainable packaging, plastic footprint reduction, implementation of post-consumer programs, and bulk and refill sales. In pursuit of sustainability, our company has set ambitious goals to achieve zero waste in our operations by 2025, aiming to prevent over 90% of the waste generated from reaching landfills. Our efforts are ongoing and include sales at discounted prices, pallet restoration, donations of food and general merchandise, and recycling of cardboard, plastics and other inorganic and organic materials. As a result of these actions, in 2023 we diverted from landfill 78.5% of waste generated. To advance further, last year we initiated the construction of a digestion plant in Costa Rica, which will divert 1,890 tons of waste annually from landfills. Additionally, we established the Zero Waste Challenge, a fun internal competition between our stores. Also, we have taken steps to reduce waste internally by eliminating disposable cups in our offices. Furthermore, our commitment extends to reducing food waste by 50% by 2025 compared to 2015 levels. Through initiatives like the Customer Value Program (CVP), we rescue bakery, fruit, and vegetable products nearing expiration, thereby minimizing waste while providing cost-effective options for customers. Additionally, unsellable yet consumable products including food items, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene products, among others, are donated, totaling over 30 thousand tons to partner institutions.. Food unsuitable for human consumption, that becomes organic waste, is transformed into animal feed, biofuels, fertilizer, and compost. However, some of our stores still lack suppliers for the recycling of organic waste. Therefore, in 2023 we launched the “Regeneradores Unidos por un Futuro Mejor” (Regenerators United for a Better Future) call, a movement to collaborate with companies interested in the responsible use of organic waste generated in our stores. Furthermore, our Imperfect but Good program offers fruits and vegetables with aesthetic defects at preferential prices, preventing waste while promoting accessibility to nutritious food. By 2023, this initiative had expanded to over 100 stores in Mexico and 18 stores across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Our company is committed to achieving 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging for all private brand products by 2025. This includes eliminating unnecessary plastics and incorporating at least 20% post-consumer recycled material. We have made significant strides in transitioning to sustainable alternatives, such as compostable bags and recycled PET trays. Additionally, we have ceased the use of 18 virgin plastic containers and eliminated 34 products made of virgin plastic. As of 2023, over 80% of our packaging meets standards for reusability, recyclability, or compostability. We also established post-consumer recycling programs. Our “Reciclamanía Evoluciona” initiative in Mexico has seen significant growth, with eight new recycling centers added in 2023, totaling 31 centers across 9 states. With the invaluable support of various commercial partners, we recovered over 256 tons of materials, driving circularity in Mexico. Looking ahead to 2024, we plan to expand these efforts further. Additionally, we operate recycling machines in Nuevo León state to recover plastic packaging, collaborate with SINGREM to ensure the proper disposal of expired medicines, provide containers for Nescafé Dolce Gusto capsules, and partner with the Mexico City Government to recycle Christmas trees. In Central America, our collaboration with Nestlé has resulted in the creation of seven recycling stations spanning El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica, enabling the recovery of 64 tons of waste. In Walmart de México y Centroamérica, we are committed to leading the transition towards a circular economy through innovative initiatives and partnerships. By implementing innovative initiatives and fostering partnerships, we actively work to minimize waste generation, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable practices. Our efforts not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
