Pattison Food Group and Vitacore Launch Reusable Bag Recycling Program

While the shift towards reusable bags in grocery stores across Canada represents a step in the right direction for sustainability, these bags – which are often made from plastics – have presented a new environmental challenge. Existing recycling facilities are not equipped to process them, which leaves Canadian consumers with an accumulation of bags and no recycling pathway. Currently, Canadians accumulate over 23 reusable bags per person annually, leading to an excess of more than 900,000,000 bags each year.

Pattison Food Group has partnered with Vitacore’s Planet Impact to implement a solution. Vitacore has developed a scalable technology that enables efficient recycling of reusable bags as part of its Planet Impact program. In mid-November, the Pattison Food Group is installing reusable bag recycling receptacles in all retail locations across western Canada including Save-On-Foods, Buy-Low Foods, Choices Market, Nature’s Fare Markets, PriceSmart Foods, Nesters Market, and Quality Foods.

“The launch of our reusable bag recycling program is an example of Canadian innovation, collaboration, and leadership in addressing pressing environmental challenges,” said Mikhail Moore, president of Vitacore. “Our partnership with the Pattison Food Group is a testament to our shared vision of a sustainable future. By addressing the environmental challenges posed by reusable bags, we can make a substantial impact and promote responsible consumer choices.”

The Pattison Food Group will exclusively launch and promote this program in partnership with Planet Impact, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship, including raising awareness of the program and engaging sustainability-conscious customers.

“We are thrilled to partner with Vitacore and lead the way in addressing the environmental challenges posed by reusable bags,” said Darrell Jones, president of the Pattison Food Group. “This initiative aligns with our efforts to support the circular economy and our zero waste goals, while providing our customers with an option to responsibly dispose of their own reusable bags. It’s important for our own sustainability journey to align with the needs and values of our customers, and this project is a great example of that.”