Loblaw commits to stop using toxic BPA and BPS receipts across all stores in Canada by end of 2021

Toronto – January 26, 2021 – In response to calls from UFCW Canada and environmental and advocacy partners, Loblaw Companies Limited has made a public commitment to phase out receipt paper containing hazardous BPA, BPS and other bisphenol alternatives from its stores by the end of 2021.

This phase out will apply to all of Loblaw’s subsidiaries and banners including Shoppers Drug Mart, No Frills and T&T. 

“UFCW Canada welcomes this announcement and commends Loblaw for showing leadership on this issue and setting an example for other retailers to follow,” said Paul Meinema, UFCW Canada National President. “Doing everything possible to better protect UFCW Canada members and all workers from environmental risks – like BPA and BPS – must be the top priority for industry, government, and all stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the critical contributions that the union’s retail members make to the day-to-day needs of Canadians, and the need to ensure that every measure is being taken to keep frontline workers healthy and safe. It also shows the benefit of labour, advocates, and industry working together on sector challenges.”

Working alongside Environmental Defence Canada, Breast Cancer Action Quebec, and Mind the Store, the UFCW Canada National Council Workplace Rights Committee has been instrumental in advancing this critical campaign. And UFCW Canada health and safety activists, and Mary Shaw from Locals 175 & 633 in particular, have played a key role in raising this issue and building support to date. Loblaws joins Costco as the major retailers who have, so far, agreed to stop using toxic receipts.

There is still more work to do! Join UFCW Canada in calling on other retailers in Canada to better protect workers and customers by ditching toxic receipts.