The world’s largest retailer has strengthened its goal to eliminate chemicals from a range of everyday products.
The company recently announced that it is expanding the “sustainable chemistry policy” it started in 2013, and is aiming for a 10 percent reduction its chemical footprint in U.S. stores by 2022. Walmart currently operates 5,352 stores in the U.S., and the newly proposed reductions are estimated to add up to 55 million pounds.
Among the chemicals Walmart wants cut out of products in its stores are its list of “high-priority chemicals” that include:
- Toluene (solvent)
- Dibutyl Phthalate (solvent, plasticizer)
- Diethyl Phthalate (solvent and plasticizer)
- Nonylphenol Exthoxylates (NPEs, surfactant), note: there are nine individual CAS numbers for these NPEs
- Formaldehyde (bonding agent)
- Butylparaben (preservative)
- Propylparaben (preservative)
- Triclosan (antimicrobial)- Active ingredients that provide therapeutic benefit when present in a product approved by the FDA New Drug Application process-such as triclosan in toothpaste for treating plaque - are allowed
Other major retailers in the U.S. have been following suit. Earlier this year, Target announced a plan to remove perfluorinated compounds and flame retardants from apparel in its stores by 2022. The major retail chain is also investing $5 million in green chemistry innovation.
