Many businesses have sustainability goals, but Walmart’s Project Gigaton has been especially aspirational. In 2017, they announced an initiative to reduce a gigaton, or one billion metric tons, of greenhouse gases from their global supply chain by 2030.
They have since expanded their scope to move towards a goal of zero operational emissions by 2040, as well as multiple projects aimed at reducing food and packaging waste.
Emerald is already adapting to California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) standards, which reward sustainable materials with lower fees. For example, packaging with ≥20% PCR content could see fees drop from 25¢ to 8¢ per pound in California. Oregon has similar fee reductions.
Retailers are creating their own sustainability standards, so producers who act early will gain an advantage. Although PCR resin is still more expensive than virgin resin, its reputation and regulatory benefits are beginning to make it a strategic investment. As more products move to PCR and processes continue to improve, costs will decrease in comparison to using virgin resin.
This collaboration has earned us the customer’s trust and goodwill, with potential for expanding into other commodities. As sustainability goals continue to advance, PCR resin is proving that it’s not just a feel-good option—it's a reliable, scalable solution.