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Resolution: Safer Packaging Alternatives (for domestic retailers)
2006 Shareholder Resolution approved by the Advisory Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility (ACCSR)
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Resolution:
Safer Packaging Alternatives (for domestic retailers)
Whereas:
OUR COMPANY has committed to environmentally sound retailing
practices (use corporation’s own language if possible)
OUR COMPANY sells private label items, items packaged in PVC
packaging and items manufactured by other brands.
PVC packaging requires the manufacture of raw toxic chemicals,
including chlorine, cancer-causing vinyl chloride monomer and
ethylene dichloride. Such production exposes workers and
surrounding communities to these toxic chemicals, which have
been linked to a host of cancer and non-cancer health disorders.
Additives mixed with PVC resins such as stabilizers,
plasticizers, and fillers can leach out of, or volatilize from,
a PVC product during its useful life. Phthalates (plasticizers)
may pose hazards, including the development of respiratory
problems in children. One of the most common toxic additives is
DEHP, a phthalate that is a suspected carcinogen and
reproductive toxicant sometimes found in PVC packaging.
PVC has the lowest recycling rate of the major plastic resins.
At present, most community recycling facilities in the United
States do not accept PVC because it is not compatible with most
existing PET recycling streams.
When burned, PVC plastic forms dioxins, a highly toxic group of
chemicals that build up in the food chain. Dioxins are a class
of chlorine-containing chemicals widely recognized as some of
the most toxic and persistent chemicals ever made by humans.
Prominent retailers and manufacturers have exited PVC packaging
or have publicly committed to do so. These include, for example,
Wal-Mart, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, SC Johnson, Limited
Brands, Hewlett Packard, and Sony.
Safer, cost-effective, alternatives to PVC packaging are readily
available. From safer, recyclable plastics, to bio-based
materials, there is a growing market replacing PVC packaging.
In the opinion of the proponents, phasing out PVC not only has
significant environmental and health benefits, but also helps to
build public trust, protect brand reputation, and safeguard and
grow market share by anticipating regulation and recall/legal
liabilities. Such actions can significantly and positively raise
our company’s environmental profile, enhance its reputation and
competitive position. The increasing attention by policy makers,
institutions and consumers to the presence of PVC in products
and packaging necessitates adopting safer alternatives as they
become available.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
the shareholders request that The Board of OUR COMPANY publish a
report to the shareholders within nine months following the
annual meeting, at reasonable cost and excluding proprietary
information, describe policy options for OUR COMPANY to reduce
or eliminate the use of PVC packaging for private label items
and to encourage or require suppliers to reduce or eliminate
their use of PVC packaging.
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