Walmart’s gigaton goal: how Tosca RPCs make a sustainable difference

Imagine the 100,000-seat Rose Bowl filled to the brim with wasted food. That’s not just a nightmare scenario, it’s actually happening in landfills all over America. The EPA estimates that in 2010 alone, 33 million tons of wasted food—enough to fill the Rose Bowl—was thrown out. In many cases food never makes it to the table – some of it is spoiled from damaged corrugated boxes, causing a devastating impact on supply chain sustainability. Fortunately, Walmart has committed to making a difference, setting an example in an industry just now beginning to look into sustainable alternatives to corrugated that protect food better, such as RPCs.

Introducing Walmart’s Project Gigaton: Taking action toward a more sustainable supply chain

Shocking numbers like these that have caused Walmart to take action, through Project Gigaton. Walmart is asking its suppliers to do their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)to encourage a sustainable supply chain, with the overall reduction target of one billion metric tons—a gigaton—by 2030.  Participants who sign up will be expected to set their own ambitious annual goals. Those few who reach them will receive special recognition.

This isn’t just an invitation. It’s an opportunity for you to build a stronger relationship with one of one of the world’s top retailers, while saving money and our precious planet. And Tosca can help. As a leader in the creation and management of reusable plastic containers (RPCs) for perishables, Tosca offers the common-sense sustainable solution you need to meet your Project Gigaton target in two key categories identified by Walmart: packaging and waste.

Reduce packaging waste

Tosca’s sustainable RPCs don’t generate packaging waste. There’s nothing to throw out, nothing to recycle. While many suppliers use corrugated boxes that might be able to be recycled, this isn’t always the case, particularly if they’re soiled, or if the material contains wax.

And consider the precious contents in those packages. Tosca’s RPCs are virtually indestructible, protecting what’s inside.  With corrugated boxes, product can be damaged or destroyed by a number of sources (crushing, moisture, mishandling).  You pay for that loss. So does the planet.

Reduce food waste

Walmart estimates that by switching to RPCs now, you can reduce damages by up to 20%. Project Gigaton aligns with our goals of eliminating waste at every turn and increasing supply chain sustainability.  The result?  Zero Waste. Emptier landfills and more robust bottom lines through greater efficiency. As of April 2018, Tosca has diverted more than 692,115 tons of corrugated packaging from entering the supply chain since they began issuing RPCs in 2000. That is equivalent to the weight of 89,305 refrigerated trucks.

The drive toward Zero Waste isn’t just our goal. Consumers are demanding it. The planet is crying out for it. And now, Walmart is asking for it.

The next move is yours.

To learn more about how reusables can create a more sustainable supply chain, click here.