Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
(November 1, 2023 – Langley, B.C.) In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at
addressing the environmental impact of plastic bags, the Pattison Food Group has
partnered with Vitacore’s Planet Impact to launch an innovative reusable bag recycling
program. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and
responsible corporate citizenship.
While the shift towards reusable bags in grocery stores across Canada has been a
positive step, these bags are typically made from plastics such as polypropylene and
have presented new environmental challenges. Existing recycling facilities are not
equipped to process reusable bags, leaving Canadian consumers with an accumulation
of bags that lack a proper recycling pathway. It is estimated that reusable polypropylene
shopping bags must be reused 10-20 times to have a lower environmental impact than
single-use plastic bags.
As part of its Planet Impact program, Vitacore has developed a scalable technology that
enables efficient recycling of reusable bags and is partnering with the Pattison Food
Group to launch this program to Canadians. In mid-November, the Pattison Food Group
is installing reusable bag recycling receptacles in all stores and encouraging customers
to bring any reusable bags to be recycled. The program will be available in all Pattison
Food Group retail locations across western Canada including Save-On-Foods, Buy-Low
Foods, Choices Market, Nature’s Fare Markets, PriceSmart Foods, Nesters Market, and
Quality Foods.
“The launch of our reusable bag recycling program is an example of Canadian
innovation, collaboration, and leadership in addressing pressing environmental
challenges,” said Mikhail Moore, president of Vitacore. “Our partnership with the
Pattison Food Group is a testament to our shared vision of a sustainable future. By
addressing the environmental challenges posed by reusable bags, we can make a
substantial impact and promote responsible consumer choices.”
The Pattison Food Group, a recognized industry leader in sustainability, will exclusively
launch and promote this program in partnership with Planet Impact. The objectives of
the partnership align with the Pattison Food Group’s commitment to environmental
stewardship, including raising awareness of the program and engaging sustainabilityconscious customers.
Media Release
Currently, Canadians accumulate over 23 reusable bags per person annually, leading to
an excess of more than 900,000,000 bags each year.
“We are thrilled to partner with Vitacore and lead the way in addressing the
environmental challenges posed by reusable bags,” said Darrell Jones, president of the
Pattison Food Group. “This initiative aligns with our efforts to support the circular
economy and our zero waste goals, while providing our customers with an option to
responsibly dispose of their own reusable bags. It’s important for our own sustainability
journey to align with the needs and values of our customers, and this project is a great
example of that.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Media Relations
(778) 366-3000
mediarelations@pattisonfoodgroup.com
