Starting today, Aldo is phasing out all single-use shopping bags in its stores across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Canadian retailer is rolling out a new eco-friendly shoe box designed with a paper rope that allows customers to carry it out of the store easily. The box is fully recyclable and made from 80 percent post-consumer recycled materials.
The project is estimated to save 7 million bags globally from going to a landfill—that’s about 12,773 bags per store.
“Over a decade ago, we introduced a shoebox with a rope as a first step to making our packaging more sustainable and guide our customers to better shopping habits,” said David Bensadoun, chief executive officer of the ALDO Group in a press release. “We now believe that our consumers are ready to accept our boxes as the solution to carry their shoes home.”
This initiative is the first of many the brand is kicking off this year as part of its commitment to sustainability. In 2018, Aldo Group became the first fashion footwear and accessories company in the world to be certified climate neutral by offsetting 100% of the carbon emissions produced by its corporate stores, offices and distribution centres.
If the box isn’t enough, customers can purchase reusable tote bags made with recycled plastic. The net profits from the bags will go towards funding ocean protection programs in partnership with organizations like the Ocean Legacy Foundation and Ocean Conservancy.