Giant Eagle Advances Sustainability Efforts with Zero Waste Milestone; Cara Mercil Comments

Giant Eagle, Inc. announced that it has reached zero waste status across its nine warehouse and manufacturing sites, effectively implementing environmentally friendly waste-reducing practices across more than 2.7 million square feet in total.

The warehouse and manufacturing site milestone is a notable step toward Giant Eagle’s goal to achieve zero waste companywide by 2030.

As it tracks its progress, the company is using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benchmark of diverting at least 90 percent of waste from landfills.

“As we work toward achieving zero waste across all supermarket properties by 2030, we’re advancing several initiatives to enhance our food donation programs, improve reuse and recycling efforts, and strengthen Team Member training,” said Cara Mercil, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility, in a recent press release. “We take pride in being active members of the communities we serve and are committed to continuing our efforts to give back.”

Key programs that have contributed to Giant Eagle’s zero waste achievement across its warehouse and manufacturing sites include:

• Participation in the company’s expansive food rescue efforts. Giant Eagle’s warehouse and manufacturing sites are key contributors to the company’s overall food rescue efforts, delivering 1.8 million pounds of the 6.4 million pounds the company annually donates to regional food banks and other partners to feed those in need.
• Utilization of efficient reuse and recycling processes. Warehouse and manufacturing site Team Members follow numerous recycling practices that include plastic, cardboard, and pallet reuse and other innovative recycling methods.
• Commitment from dedicated Team Members. The commitment by Giant Eagle’s more than 2,000 warehouse and manufacturing site Team Members to the multiple trainings and daily practices aimed at continuous waste removal was a key driver of this milestone.