GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING YOUR

WALMART PRIVATE BRAND

PACKAGING DATA
2021 Sustainability Reporting Cycle
PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This guidance document is intended to be used for reference purposes to help guide suppliers through the
process of completing the updated Walmart private brand packaging survey only and is not intended to provide
any legal advice concerning packaging or other compliance related requirements.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Survey overview (p. 4)

• New changes to improve reporting & measure progress (p. 12)

• Survey and calculation guidance (p. 20)

• Is your packaging designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability? (p. 38)

• How recyclability is determined (p. 51)

• Frequently asked questions and other resources (p. 55)

• How auto-calculations are made for packaging where a system of recycling

exists in practice and at scale (p. 58)

3
SURVEY OVERVIEW

4
OUR ASPIRATION: ZERO PLASTIC WASTE

We are globally pursuing a three-pronged strategy to address plastics in our value chain:

Support
improvements to the
Use less plastic Recycle more plastic waste
reduction system

Where packaging is needed, Engage with innovators to

Find viable alternatives to
work with suppliers to help support development of
plastic and work with
encourage use of packaging environmentally preferable
suppliers in seeking to reduce
that is 100% recyclable and to options to plastics and
or eliminate plastic packaging
increase the recycled content promote reuse and expand
where possible.
of the packaging. recycling capabilities

5
G LO B AL S U STA INA BLE PAC K AGI NG G OA L S
For Private Brands, Encouraged for National Brands

USE LESS MAKE IT

LABEL IT
PLASTIC RECYCLABLE

100% Packaging 100% Packaging

Remove unnecessary 17% recycled content recyclable, reusable, labeled for
packaging globally or industrially recyclability
compostable
U.S. AND CANADA -ONLY

INNOVATE TOGETHER
 Project Gigaton
CLIMATE

+
NATURE
3,100+ suppliers signed on 416+ MMT emissions avoided

New New

Product Use &

Energy Nature Waste Packaging Transportation
Design
Renewable Energy Regenerative Food, Solid Waste Recycled Content Optimized Design
Energy Efficiency Agriculture Reduction Recyclability Shipping Optimization
Forestry Recycling, Zero emission Sustainable
Reduction
+ Commodity Composting vehicles Sourcing
Questions

Major Contributors

77
THIS YEAR WE WILL CONTINUE TO MEASURE AGAINST OUR
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING GOALS

Reporting Metrics
% of PB packaging that is reusable, recyclable, or industrially compostable (by
weight)
% Recyclability of PB plastic packaging (by weight)

% Recycled Content in PB plastic packaging (by weight)

Use of problematic plastics (PVC, EPS)

Weight of PB plastic packaging

% PB sales using How2Recycle (US, Canada only)

SCOPE OF REPORTING = PRIVATE BRAND PRIMARY PACKAGING

What is primary packaging: What is NOT primary packaging:

• Packaging that goes home with the • Products (napkins, cups, plates, cutlery)
customer • Ecommerce/shipping packaging
• Shelf/retail ready packaging
Box + • PDQ trays
inner • Small hang tags (<2.5”)
bag • Stickers
• Hangers

Bottles
+ plastic No
film No PDQ, shipping
SRP boxes
packaging

9
2021 SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING PERIOD
ACCESS SURVEYS ON WALMART
September 13 - November 5
Timeline
SUSTAINABILITY PORTAL:
https://www.walmartsustainabilityhub.co
The opportunity to report is only once a year! m/walmart-sustainability/join-us

All Suppliers
Programs

Private Brand
Suppliers

• Create or login to your company’s

U.S. & Canada Sustainability Portal account
Textile
• View additional Trainings & Webinars on
Suppliers
Walmart Sustainability Hub website
ALL PRIVATE BRAND SUPPLIERS ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE
THE PACKAGING SURVEY

• Company level

• Aggregated data

• Surveys and tools available at:

- Walmartsustainabilityhub.com
(for suppliers)

- Wmlink/sustainability
(for associates)
 NEW CHANGES TO IMPROVE
REPORTING & MEASURE PROGRESS

12
PRIVATE BRANDS PACKAGING SECTION

NEW
DESIGN!

13
EXPANDED PACKAGING USE

Select a “packaging use”

category for each type of
packaging for which you will
be reporting.

EXPANDED
PACKAGING
USES!

Click on the question mark

icons (tool tips) to view
descriptions of the types of
products found in each
“packaging use” category.

New changes to the survey are highlighted in yellow.

14
VALIDATION RULES

The system will flag responses for

the following:
1. If number of units equals
weight of all primary packaging
2. If a number over 5,000 T or
50,000 MT is entered
3. If the average weight per unit is
greater than 2 lbs (0.9 kgs)

NEW
DEPARTMENT
LEVEL SCREEN
VALIDATION
RULES

15
DEPARTMENT LEVEL PACKAGING WEIGHT
Only applicable to those supplying to the Walmart & Sam’s Club U.S. markets

NEW
DEPARTMENT
LEVEL SCREEN

16
DEPARTMENT LEVEL HOW2RECYCLE INFORMATION
Only applicable to those supplying to the Walmart U.S., Sam’s Club U.S. and Canada markets

New department level

screens for
How2Recycle and Food
label questions
 DEPARTMENT LEVEL HOW2RECYCLE VALIDATIONS
Only applicable to those supplying to the Walmart U.S., Sam’s Club U.S. and Canada markets

How2Recycle SKU
questions
• A SKU is a unique
UPC item
• Example: a 24-count
pack of water bottles
is 1 SKU
• a 24-count pack of
water bottles and a 6-
count pack of
flavored water is 2
SKUs
UPDATED REUSE PILOTS QUESTION

SELECT TYPE
OF REUSE
PILOT
SURVEY & CALCULATION GUIDANCE

20
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SURVEY
FOR EACH PACKAGE, ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

1 2 3
Identify if your
Identify Primary Do the math
packaging is designed
Packaging Types & (MT, kg, lbs)
for optimizing and
Packaging Uses
advancing recycling

A. What type of packaging do you A. Is your packaging designed for A. How much does each package type
use? A box? A bottle? optimizing and advancing recycling? weigh?
 Identify all types of  Refer to guidance in the Walmart  Sum the total volume in your
packaging Recycling Playbook to learn the selected unit of measurement
B. What is the packaging used for? materials that will make your (metric tonnes, kilograms, pounds)
Liquid drinks? Fresh food? package not recyclable B. Of the total volume, calculate the
 Identify all packaging uses weight for:
C. What is that package made out of? B. Do you use recycled content?  Packaging designed for optimizing
 Identify the base material  Identify the recycled content in and advancing recyclability
your packaging is post-consumer  Post Consumer Recycled Content
or post industrial  Packaging certified by
Biodegradable Products Institute
Repeat steps for each type of package (BPI) or equivalent for non-US
markets
 Bio-based
21
IDENTIFY ALL PRIMARY PACKAGING USES

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

What is your
packaging used for?
Liquid drinks? Fresh
Foods?

Example Uses

Liquid
drinks

WHAT TO DO: select the boxes for

the packaging uses for your Walmart
Fresh Private Brand primary packaging. For
food definitions and example of each
packaging use, hover over the tool
tips (See example)
IDENTIFY ALL PRIMARY PACKAGING TYPES

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

What type of
packaging do you
use? A box? A bottle?

Example Products

Notes:
WHAT TO DO: Bottle
• Ecommerce packaging/shipping

select the boxes

Box packaging are not considered
primary packaging
for the packaging • Inner packaging materials (like
the plastic bag used to hold the
types used for pancake mix…or dunnage for
Walmart Private General Merchandise packaging)
Brand primary should be selected
Jug Bag • The outer wrap for multipack
packaging (inner package water bottles should be selected
as bags/films/pouches/sachet
-inside box)
IDENTIFY BASE MATERIALS

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

Identify and select the base
materials of your package:
• The base material of a
PET water bottle is PET
• The base material of a
box is paperboard

Example Products

Notes:
• A package can be made out of multiple materials. The “base
material” is the material that makes up the majority of the
WHAT TO DO: PET package
Identify the base • For example, a PET bottle may have a cap and label
made out of another material, but the base material is
material of the PET
package for each • If the products you produce are sold in the same packaging type
packaging type HDPE (e.g., bottles/jugs) but are made of out of a different base material
(e.g., PET and HDPE), please capture all the base materials used
• Different sizes/flavors/scents does not impact how you
answer these questions
ENTER NUMBER OF UNITS

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

How many packaging /
consumer units do you sell
for each packaging format
and material?

Example Products

Notes:
• Calculate your number of packaging units per
WHAT TO DO: PET packaging format and material.
Identify the base • A packaging unit is a consumer unit or selling
material of the unit (what the customer purchases).
package for each • Example: A case of a 40 pack of bottles is one
packaging type HDPE consumer unit.
• Example: One milk jug is one consumer unit
ENTER WEIGHT OF PACKAGING

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

What is the sum of primary

packaging by material?

Example Products

Notes:
• Aggregate the total weight of primary
WHAT TO DO: PET packaging by material type.
Identify the base • For example: If you sell PET bottles you would
material of the put the total weight of ALL PET bottles not
package for each the weight of just one bottle.
packaging type HDPE • Pay close attention to the unit of
measurement you are using to ensure
accuracy.
I D E N TIF Y I F YO U R PAC K AG ING I S D E S I GNE D F O R O P T IMI ZING AN D ADVAN CING
R EC YC LING

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

Is your package designed for

optimizing and advancing
recycling?

Example Products

Notes:
• If your packaging is designed for optimizing and advancing recycling, ensure you input
your data. The next column, “weight of packaging where a system of recycling exists in
WHAT TO DO: Determine how many of practice and at scale” is auto-calculated based on your entry in the “weight of packaging
your packages meet the green pages or designed for optimizing and advancing recycling” column.
• One cannot identify if a package is or isn’t designed for optimizing and advancing
applicable yellow pages of the Recycling recycling by only looking at the packaging type or the base material. Both packaging type
Playbook for each packaging type + + base material must be looked at together
• E.g., not all bottles are designed for optimizing and advancing recycling, not all
base material OR (for US & Canada PET is designed for optimizing and advancing recycling, and not all PET bottles
markets) has been reviewed by are designed for optimizing and advancing recycling
How2Recycle and given an overall • Labels, adhesives, and other design elements may cause a package to be not recyclable.
• Refer to the green or applicable yellow pages in Walmart’s Recycling Playbook for more
rating of optimal, or recyclable but information on what
needs improvement.
 U S E T H E R EC YC LI NG P L AY BO O K TO D E T E R MINE I F YO U R PAC K AGI NG I S
D E S I GNE D F O R O P T IMI ZING AN D ADVAN CING R EC YC L ING ( O P T ION O N E )

Questions to Answer Use the Recycling Playbook

Is your package designed for

optimizing and advancing
recycling?

What to do
Check the green pages or applicable
yellow pages of the Recycling
Playbook for each packaging type +
base material to verify if your
packaging is designed for optimizing
and advancing recycling
OR
If you supply to the US or Canada
markets, verify your packaging has
been reviewed by How2Recycle and
given an overall rating of optimal, or
recyclable but needs improvement.
 U S E T H E H O W 2 RECYCLE M E M BE R P O R TAL TO D E T E R MINE I F YO U R PAC KAG ING
I S D E S IG NED F O R O P T IMIZ ING AN D ADVAN CING R EC YC L ING ( O P TI ON T W O)*

Questions to Answer Use the How2Recycle Member Portal

Is your package designed for

optimizing and advancing
recycling?

What to do
Check the green pages or applicable
yellow pages of the Recycling
Playbook for each packaging type +
base material to verify if your
packaging is designed for optimizing 1. Login to the How2Recycle Member Platform
and advancing recycling
OR 2. Choose your company name from the dropdown list
If you supply to the US or Canada
markets, verify your packaging has 3. Review your products and the overall rating for your packaging. If the overall rating is
been reviewed by How2Recycle and “optimally recyclable” or “recyclable but needs improvement”, your packaging is
given an overall rating of optimal, or
recyclable. designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability.
*Only available to suppliers supplying products to the US and Canada markets
R E V I E W W E I G HT O F PAC K AGI NG W H E R E A S Y STEM O F R EC YCL ING E X I S TS I N
P R AC TICE AN D AT S C ALE

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

AUTO-CALCULATED
Is your package designed for
optimizing and advancing
recycling?

Example Products

Notes:
• Walmart utilizes the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s definition for recyclability, and ISO
definitions for recycled content, compostability, and reuse for purposes of measuring
WHAT TO DO: Review the number that progress on Walmart’s global sustainability goals
• The definition for each packaging type + base material is geographically agnostic.
is auto-calculated here. This number is Each country will use the same definition and criteria to determine if a package is
based on your data entry in “Weight of or isn’t recyclable, reusable, or industrially compostable
packaging designed for optimizing and • One cannot identify if a package is or isn’t recyclable by only looking at the packaging
type or the base material. Both packaging type + base material must be looked at
advancing recycling” and together
• E.g., not all bottles are recyclable, not all PET is recyclable not all PET bottles are
recyclable
• Labels, adhesives, and other design elements may cause a package to be not recyclable.
Refer to Walmart’s Recycling Playbook
I D E N TIF Y I F YO U R PAC K AG ING I S C E R TIF IE D I N D U STR IALLY CO M PO STABL E

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

Is your package certified

industrially compostable?

Example Products

WHAT TO DO: Determine how much of Notes:

your packaging is certified industrially • Only input data here if your packaging is certified industrially compostable
by BPI or equivalent for non-US markets.
compostable (i.e., certified by • Walmart utilizes the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s definition for
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) recyclability, and ISO definitions for recycled content, compostability, and
or equivalent for non-US markets) for reuse for purposes of measuring progress on Walmart’s global sustainability
each packaging type + base material. goals
• The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s definition for each packaging
type + base material is geographically agnostic. Each country will
use the same definition and criteria to determine if a package is or
isn’t recyclable, reusable, or industrially compostable
IDENTIFY IF YOU USE POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED CONTENT

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

Do you use post-consumer

recycled content?
• Identify if it is post-
consumer, pre-consumer
or post industrial

Example Products

WHAT TO DO: Determine the weight Notes:

• Walmart utilizes the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s definition for
of post-consumer recycled content recyclability, and ISO definitions for recycled content, compostability,
and reuse for purposes of measuring progress on Walmart’s global
used for each packaging type+ base sustainability goals
material • Recyclable and recycled content are two different definitions –
ensure you are using the correct one
• Post-consumer is not the same as pre-consumer or post-
industrial recycled content.
• Only input post-consumer recycled content data
DO THE MATH (PACKAGING WEIGHT)

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

How many units do you have for

each packaging type?
• Sum the total units
How much does each package type
weigh?
• Sum the total weight in your
selected unit of measurement

Example Products

Notes:
WHAT TO DO: *A packaging unit is a consumer unit or selling unit (what the customer purchases). Example: A case of
1. Identify the TOTAL a 40 pack of bottles is one consumer unit. One milk jug is one consumer unit.
number of units* and
weight of ALL primary PET BOTTLE/JUG HDPE BOTTLE/JUG

packaging For each 1 package

weight = 1
1 package
weight = 2
1 package
weight =
Weight of
packaging type + base Weight of
1.5
ALL
primary
Total
material ALL primary
packaging =
weight of Total
packaging
= 900Y
100 MT packages weight of
= 300 MTs packages
2. Enter data on ALL tabs = 600 MTs
CALCULATE THE WEIGHT FOR PACKAGING DESIGNED FOR OPTIMIZING
AND ADVANCING RECYCLABILITY

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

How many tons of packaging are:

 Using bio-based content
 Packaging designed for
optimizing and advancing
recyclability
 Using post-consumer recycled
content
 Certified Industrial Compostable
 Using bio-based content

WHAT TO DO: Identify the TOTAL weight of ALL packaging designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability, industrially
Example Products compostable and/or using post-consumer recycled content for each packaging type + base material. Enter data for each tab.
PET BOTTLE/JUG HDPE BOTTLE/JUG Notes:
• Repeat this step for
Weight of Weight of each definition
ALL Total Total ALL
primary weight of weight of primary
packaging packages packages packaging
= 100 MTs = 300 MTs = 600MTs = 900MTs

45 MTs are NOT 180 MTs are NOT 15+180 = 195 MTs
15 MTs are NOT
recyclable recyclable are NOT recyclable
recyclable

55 MTs ARE 420 MTs ARE 85+420 = 705 MTs

85 MTs ARE
recyclable recyclable ARE recyclable
recyclable
F O R P R I VATE BR AN D P R O D UCTS S O L D I N WAL M ART U S & WAL M ART C AN ADA
O N LY– H O W 2 RECYCLE Q U E STION

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

Sales of all Private Brand

products in packaging that went WHAT TO DO: Identify the TOTAL POS for all Private Brand
home with the customer (i.e., products. Subtract the POS for any Private Brand products that do
primary packaging) NOT have packaging that goes home with the customer.

All Private Brand

products

Example Products
POS for ALL
Private Brand $X $Y $Z
products

Any Private
Brand Products No (If a company answers yes, please
without Primary subtract the POS sales of those
Packaging? products that do not use primary
packaging)
Notes:
• In most cases, all Private Brand products will have primary packaging
• Examples of products without primary packaging includes, but not limited
to:
• Loose produce
• Apparel with hand tags < 2.5 in. (6.35 cm)
• General Merchandise product with only a sticker
• Sales of ALL private brand products = POS
F O R P R I VATE BR AN D P R O D UCTS S O L D I N WA L M A RT U S , WA L M A RT C A N A DA ,
AN D / O R S AM’ S C LU B O N LY– H O W 2 R ECYCL E Q U E STIO N

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

Overall use of the How2Recycle WHAT TO DO: Identify which Private Brand products have the
label on package, as % of sales How2Recycle label on package?

Uses the Does NOT use the

How2Recycle Label on How2Recycle Label on
Package Package
Example Products

Do 100% of these
products use the 0% sales use the
How2Recycle label on How2Recycle label
package? on package

Yes No
Enter 100% POS sales Enter X% POS sales that use the
for this Private Product How2Recycle label on package
 F O R P R I VATE BR AN D P R O D UCTS S O L D I N WA L M A RT U S , WA L M A RT C A N A DA ,
AN D / O R S AM’ S C LU B O N LY– H O W 2 R ECYCL E Q U E STIO N

Questions to Answer Example of Survey Question

Total number of Private Brand

WHAT TO DO: Identify the number of all Private Brand SKUs
SKUs
with primary packaging and enter the number.
Total number of Private Brand
Remember, a SKU is a unique UPC item. For example, if one of
SKUs with the How2Recycle label
the items you sell is a 24-count pack of water bottles and you
sell 1 million 24-count packs, that is only 1 SKU. If you sell a 24-
count pack of water bottles and a 6-count pack of flavored
water, then you have 2 SKUs.
Example Products
Do NOT include Private Brand products that do NOT have
packaging that goes home with the customer.

Identify which Private Brand SKUs with primary packaging have

the How2Recycle label on package and enter the number.

Notes:
• In most cases, all Private Brand products will have primary
packaging
• Examples of products without primary packaging includes, but not
limited to:
• Loose produce
• Apparel with hang tags <2.5 in. (6.35 cm)
• General Merchandise product with only a sticker
IS YOUR PACKAGING DESIGNED FOR
OPTIMIZING AND ADVANCING
RECYCLABILITY?

38
 U S E T H E R E C Y C L I N G P L AY B O O K O R H O W 2 R E C YC L E P O R TA L TO D E T E R M IN E I F Y O U R
PAC K AG I N G I S D E S I G N E D F O R O P T I M I Z I NG A N D A D VA N C I N G R E C Y C L A B I L IT Y

Check the Recycling Playbook to determine

if your packaging is designed for optimizing
and advancing recyclability.

Find the Recycling Playbook here:

Walmart Sustainability Hub > Resources >
Support Recycling

Login to the How2Recycle Member Platform to

determine if your packaging is designed for optimizing
and advancing recyclability.

View your company’s products to verify if your products’

packaging has an overall rating of “optimally recyclable”
or “recyclable but needs improvement.”
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – BAGS, FILMS, POUCHES, SACHETS
STEP ONE STEP TWO
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or Does your packaging contain any
applicable yellow pages of the Recycling of the following?
Playbook for each packaging type + base
material?
OR
The package is NOT designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability if it uses any of the
a) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has below
your packaging been reviewed by How2Recycle PAPER-BASED PE BAGS & FILM
and given an overall rating of optimal, or
recyclable but needs improvement? • Color, Layers, or Additives:
Plastic/polymer treatments or layers on
•
•
Resin: Non-PE resins mixed in
Resin Color or Additives: Dark colors, PVC,
fiber-based components, treatments that PVDC, metalized layers, fillers that alter the
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO require plastic/polymers (most holograms, blend density to be greater than 1.0, starch
BAGS, FILM, POU.. Paper Yes, proceed to step 2 high gloss), wax, UV coatings, metalized resins, or degradable additives
films, foils, wet strength additives*, dark • Attachments or closures: Metal, foils, PET,
PE Plastic (HDPE, MDPE, colors, fragrances PLA, PP, PS, PVC, RFIDs
BAGS, FILM, POU..
LDPE, LLDPE) Yes, proceed to step 2
• Attachments and Adhesives: Metal, • Labels: Metal, foil, metalized printing, paper,
No, package is NOT designed for magnetic closures, electronics, RFIDs, PET, PLA, PP, PS, PVC
BAGS, FILM, POU.. PVC / PVDC
optimizing and advancing recyclability PET, PLA, PP, PS, PVC, hot melt adhesives,
Other plastic (Nylon, PP, PLA, No, package is NOT designed for stickers and adhesives*
BAGS, FILM, POU..
PET, multimaterial …) optimizing and advancing recyclability • Labels: Metal foil, metalized printing, PET,
No, package is NOT designed for PLA, PP, PS, PVC
BAGS, FILM, POU.. Other non-plastic
optimizing and advancing recyclability
*unless passes Western Michigan University testing

Refer to the Bags, Films, and Pouches section of the Walmart Recycling Playbook
to determine if your package is designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability. 40
40
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – BOTTLE & JUG
STEP ONE STEP TWO
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or Does your packaging contain any of
applicable yellow pages of the Recycling Playbook for the following?
each packaging type + base material?
OR
a) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has your
packaging been reviewed by How2Recycle and given The package is NOT designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability if it uses any of the
an overall rating of optimal, or recyclable but needs below
improvement? PET RIGIDS HDPE & PP RIGIDS LDPE RIGIDS
PACKAGING
PACKAGING MATERIAL
TYPE STEP ONE: YES OR NO • Opaque or non clear, • PVC components • Resin Color or Additives:
BOTTLE & JUG PET Yes, proceed to step 2 transparent, light blue or (including labels) Dark colors, optical
BOTTLE & JUG HDPE Yes, proceed to step 2 green • Degradable additives brighteners, degradable
No, package is NOT designed for • PETG bottles • Large amounts of heavy additives
BOTTLE & JUG PVC / PVDC • PVC components fillers • Attachments & Closures:
optimizing and advancing recyclability
(including labels) • Large labels (that aren’t Metal, foils, PP, PVC,
BOTTLE & JUG LDPE Yes, proceed to step 2 • Degradable additives APR approved) floating silicone polymer,
BOTTLE & JUG LLDPE Yes, proceed to step 2 • Large labels (that aren’t • Metal attachments RFIDs
BOTTLE & JUG PP Yes, proceed to step 2 APR approved) • Labels: paper, PVC, PLS,
No, package is NOT designed for • Metal attachments PS, metal foils, non-APR
BOTTLE & JUG PS preferred labels
optimizing and advancing recyclability
No, package is NOT designed for Refer to the Bottles, Jars, Jugs, and Tubs section of the Walmart Recycling
BOTTLE & JUG EPS
optimizing and advancing recyclability Playbook to determine if your package is designed for optimizing and advancing
Other plastic (PETG, CPET, recyclability.
BOTTLE & JUG PC, multimaterial, or No, package is NOT designed for
blended resins) optimizing and advancing recyclability
No, package is NOT designed for
BOTTLE & JUG Other non- plastic 41
optimizing and advancing recyclability
41
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – BOX
STEP ONE STEP TWO
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or Does your packaging contain any
applicable yellow pages of the Recycling Playbook for of the following?
each packaging type + base material?
OR
a) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has your
packaging been reviewed by How2Recycle and given
an overall rating of optimal, or recyclable but needs The package is NOT designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability if it uses any of the
improvement? below

PAPERBOARD, CORRUGATE, & MOLDED FIBER

PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO
BOX Paperboard Yes, proceed to step 2
• Color, Layers, or Additives: Plastic/polymer treatments or layers on fiber-based
BOX Corrugate Yes, proceed to step 2 components, treatments that require plastic/polymers (most holograms, high gloss), wax,
BOX Molded Pulp/Fiber Yes, proceed to step 2 UV coatings, metalized films, foils, wet strength additives*, dark colors, fragrances
No, package is NOT designed for • Attachments and Adhesives: Metal, magnetic closures, electronics, RFIDs, PET, PLA, PP,
BOX
Other non-plastic optimizing and advancing recyclability PS, PVC, hot melt adhesives, stickers and adhesives*
No, package is NOT designed for • Labels: Metal foil, metalized printing, PET, PLA, PP, PS, PVC
BOX
EPS optimizing and advancing recyclability • Dunnage & Padding: EPS and other expanded resin materials
No, package is NOT designed for
BOX
Paperboard with Plastic optimizing and advancing recyclability *unless passes Western Michigan University testing
No, package is NOT designed for
BOX
Corrugate with Plastic optimizing and advancing recyclability
No, package is NOT designed for Refer to the Box section of the Walmart Recycling Playbook to determine if your
BOX
PVC / PVDC optimizing and advancing recyclability package is designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability.
Other Plastic ((PET, HDPE, No, package is NOT designed for
BOX
PP…) optimizing and advancing recyclability
42
42
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – CANS, CANNISTERS, CARTONS
STEP ONE STEP TWO
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or Does your packaging contain any
applicable yellow pages of the Recycling Playbook for of the following?
each packaging type + base material?
OR
a) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has your
packaging been reviewed by How2Recycle and given
an overall rating of optimal, or recyclable but needs The package is NOT designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability if it uses any of the
below
improvement?
METAL CONTAINERS PAPER-BASED PACKAGING
• Attachments & Closures: Plastic, • Color, Layers, or Additives: Plastic/polymer
stickers treatments or layers on fiber-based components,
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO treatments that require plastic/polymers (most
• Labels: Stickers, full body plastic
CANS, CANNISTE.. Metal (Aluminum, Steel, tin) Yes, proceed to step 2 holograms, high gloss), wax, UV coatings, metalized
sleeves
CANS, CANNISTE.. Paper-based w/o metal Yes, proceed to step 2 films, foils, wet strength additives*, dark colors,
No, package is NOT designed for fragrances
CANS, CANNISTE.. Paper-based w/metal • Attachments and Adhesives: Metal, magnetic
optimizing and advancing recyclability
closures, electronics, RFIDs, PET, PLA, PP, PS, PVC,
hot melt adhesives, stickers and adhesives*
• Labels: Metal foil, metalized printing, PET, PLA, PP,
PS, PVC
• Dunnage & Padding: EPS and other expanded resin
materials

*unless passes Western Michigan University testing

Refer to the Canisters and Cartons and Cans sections of the Walmart Recycling
Playbook to determine if your package is designed for optimizing and advancing 43
recyclability.
43
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – FOAM CUSHION, DUNNAGE, INSERTS
STEP ONE STEP TWO
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or Does your packaging contain any
applicable yellow pages of the Recycling Playbook for of the following?
each packaging type + base material?
OR
b) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has your The package is NOT designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability if it uses any of the
packaging been reviewed by How2Recycle and given below
an overall rating of optimal, or recyclable but needs PE FILM FIBER-BASED
improvement?
• Resin: Non-PE resins mixed in • Color, Layers, or Additives: Plastic/polymer
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO treatments or layers on fiber-based components,
• Resin Color or Additives: Dark colors,
FOAM CUSHION.. PE film/pillow Yes, proceed to step 2 PVC, PVDC, metalized layers, fillers that
treatments that require plastic/polymers (most
holograms, high gloss), wax, UV coatings, metalized
No, package is NOT designed for alter the blend density to be greater
FOAM CUSHION.. EPE films, foils, wet strength additives*, dark colors,
optimizing and advancing recyclability than 1.0, starch resins, or degradable fragrances
No, package is NOT designed for additives • Attachments and Adhesives: Metal, magnetic closures,
FOAM CUSHION.. EPP
optimizing and advancing recyclability • Attachments or closures: Metal, foils, electronics, RFIDs, PET, PLA, PP, PS, PVC, hot melt
adhesives, stickers and adhesives*
No, package is NOT designed for PET, PLA, PP, PS, PVC, RFIDs
FOAM CUSHION.. Other plastic film/pillow • Labels: Metal, foil, metalized printing,
• Labels: Metal foil, metalized printing, PET, PLA, PP, PS,
optimizing and advancing recyclability PVC
No, package is NOT designed for paper, PET, PLA, PP, PS, PVC • Dunnage & Padding: EPS and other expanded resin
FOAM CUSHION.. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) materials
optimizing and advancing recyclability
FOAM CUSHION.. Molded Pulp/Fiber Yes, proceed to step 2
FOAM CUSHION.. Corrugate Yes, proceed to step 2 *unless passes Western Michigan University testing

FOAM CUSHION.. Paperboard Yes, proceed to step 2

No, package is NOT designed for Refer to the Cushion, Dunnage, & Inserts sections of the Walmart Recycling Playbook
FOAM CUSHION.. Other non-plastic
optimizing and advancing recyclability to determine if your package is designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability.

44
44
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – TRAY, CLAMSHELL, THERMOFORM
STEP ONE
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or applicable yellow STEP TWO
pages of the Recycling Playbook for each packaging type + Does your packaging contain any of
base material? the following?
OR
b) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has your packaging
been reviewed by How2Recycle and given an overall rating of
optimal, or recyclable but needs improvement?
The package is NOT designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability if it uses any of the
PACKAGING
PACKAGING MATERIAL below
TYPE STEP ONE: YES OR NO
TRAY, CLAMSH… Paperboard Yes, proceed to step 2 PAPER BASED PET RIGIDS HDPE & PP RIGIDS
TRAY, CLAMSH… Molded Fiber Yes, proceed to step 2
TRAY, CLAMSH… PET Yes, proceed to step 2 • Metal • Opaque or non clear, • PVC components (including
TRAY, CLAMSH… HDPE Yes, proceed to step 2 • Magnetic closures transparent, light blue or labels)
• Radio-frequency green • Degradable additives
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing identification • PETG bottles • Large amounts of heavy fillers
TRAY, CLAMSH… PVC / PVDC
and advancing recyclability • Double sided • PVC components (including • Large labels (that aren’t APR
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing plastic/polymer/resin labels) approved)
TRAY, CLAMSH… LDPE coatings • Degradable additives • Metal attachments
and advancing recyclability
• Large labels (that aren’t APR
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing approved)
TRAY, CLAMSH… LLDPE
and advancing recyclability • Metal attachments
TRAY, CLAMSH… PP Yes, proceed to step 2
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing
TRAY, CLAMSH… PS
and advancing recyclability
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing Refer to the Trays, Clamshells, & Thermoforms section of the Walmart Recycling
TRAY, CLAMSH… EPS Playbook to determine if your package is designed for optimizing and advancing
and advancing recyclability
Other plastic (PETG, recyclability.
TRAY, CLAMSH… CPET, PC, multimaterial, No, package is NOT designed for optimizing
or blended resins) and advancing recyclability
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing 45
TRAY, CLAMSH… Aluminum
and advancing recyclability
45
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – JARS, TUBS, CUPS, PAILS
STEP ONE STEP TWO
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or Does your packaging contain any of
applicable yellow pages of the Recycling Playbook for the following?
each packaging type + base material?
OR
b) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has your
packaging been reviewed by How2Recycle and given The package is NOT designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability if it uses any of the
an overall rating of optimal, or recyclable but needs below
improvement? PET RIGIDS HDPE & PP RIGIDS LDPE RIGIDS
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, PET Yes ,Proceed to step 2 • Opaque or non clear, • PVC components • Resin Color or Additives:
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, HDPE Yes ,Proceed to step 2 transparent, light blue or (including labels) Dark colors, optical
No, package is NOT designed for green • Degradable additives brighteners, degradable
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, PVC • PETG bottles • Large amounts of heavy additives
optimizing and advancing recyclability
• PVC components fillers • Attachments & Closures:
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, LDPE Yes ,Proceed to step 2 (including labels) • Large labels (that aren’t Metal, foils, PP, PVC,
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, LLDPE Yes ,Proceed to step 2 • Degradable additives APR approved) floating silicone polymer,
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, PP Yes ,Proceed to step 2 • Large labels (that aren’t • Metal attachments RFIDs
No, package is NOT designed for APR approved) • Labels: paper, PVC, PLS,
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, PS • Metal attachments PS, metal foils, non-APR
optimizing and advancing recyclability
No, package is NOT designed for preferred labels
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, EPS
optimizing and advancing recyclability Refer to the Bottles, Jars, Jugs, and Tubs section of the Walmart Recycling
Other plastic (PETG, PC, No, package is NOT designed for Playbook to determine if your package is designed for optimizing and advancing
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, multimaterial, blended optimizing and advancing recyclability recyclability.
resins) is NOT recyclable
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, Glass Yes, Proceed to Step 2
46
46
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – HANG TAGS, BACKER CARDS,
HEADER CARDS
STEP ONE STEP TWO
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or Does your packaging contain any of the
applicable yellow pages of the Recycling Playbook for following?
each packaging type + base material?
OR
b) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has your
packaging been reviewed by How2Recycle and given
an overall rating of optimal, or recyclable but needs
The package is NOT designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability if it uses any of the
improvement? below

PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL

PAPER BASED
STEP ONE: YES OR NO
HANG TAGS, BACKER Paperboard • <2.5 inches
Yes, proceed to step 2
• Color, Layers, or Additives: Plastic/polymer treatments or layers on fiber-based
HANG TAGS, BACKER Paper Yes, proceed to step 2 components, treatments that require plastic/polymers (most holograms, high
HANG TAGS, BACKER Corrugate
gloss), wax, UV coatings, metalized films, foils, wet strength additives*, dark colors,
Yes, proceed to step 2
fragrances
PE Plastic (HDPE, MDPE, No, package is NOT designed for • Attachments and Adhesives: Metal, magnetic closures, electronics, RFIDs, PET,
HANG TAGS, BACKER
LDPE, LLDPE) optimizing and advancing recyclability
PLA, PP, PS, PVC, hot melt adhesives, stickers and adhesives*
No, package is NOT designed for
HANG TAGS, BACKER PVC / PVDC • Labels: Metal foil, metalized printing, PET, PLA, PP, PS, PVC
optimizing and advancing recyclability
• Dunnage & Padding: EPS and other expanded resin materials
No, package is NOT designed for
HANG TAGS, BACKER Other plastic
optimizing and advancing recyclability
*unless passes Western Michigan University testing
No, package is NOT designed for
HANG TAGS, BACKER paperboard with plastic
optimizing and advancing recyclability
Refer to the Box section of the Walmart Recycling Playbook to determine if your
No, package is NOT designed for package is designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability.
HANG TAGS, BACKER corrugate with plastic
optimizing and advancing recyclability

47
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – BLISTER PACK
STEP ONE STEP TWO
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or Does your packaging contain any of
applicable yellow pages of the Recycling Playbook for the following?
each packaging type + base material?
OR
b) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has your
packaging been reviewed by How2Recycle and given
an overall rating of optimal, or recyclable but needs At this time, no packaging meets Step 1. Therefore,
improvement? there is no need to answer Step 2.
PACKAGING
PACKAGING MATERIAL
TYPE STEP ONE: YES OR NO
No, package is NOT designed for Guidance - Change to:
BLISTER PACK PET plastic and fiber optimizing and advancing • A different format with a single material {e.g., paperboard box,
recyclability
PE bag)
No, package is NOT designed for
BLISTER PACK PVC plastic and fiber optimizing and advancing • A similar format with materials that are easily separated and
recyclability recyclable on their own {e.g., PET clamshell or tray with paper
No, package is NOT designed for insert), or use the acceptable attachments noted in this
BLISTER PACK PE plastic and fiber optimizing and advancing
playbook
recyclability
No, package is NOT designed for • Avoid materials that are detrimental to plastic recycling {e.g.,
BLISTER PACK Other optimizing and advancing PVC, PETG, foils), including adhesives that remain on the plastic
recyclability that are not compatible with recycling
Refer to the Other Packages: Blister Packs section of the Walmart
Recycling Playbook to determine if your package is designed for
optimizing and advancing recyclability. 48
48
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – TUBES
STEP ONE STEP TWO
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or Does your packaging contain any
applicable yellow pages of the Recycling Playbook for of the following?
each packaging type + base material?
OR
b) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has your The package is NOT designed for optimizing and advancing
packaging been reviewed by How2Recycle and given recyclability if it uses any of the below.
an overall rating of optimal, or recyclable but needs
• Multimaterial
improvement? • <2” in more than one dimension

Guidance: Work to advance innovation of recyclable packaging or

PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO the development of an appropriate circular economy solution.
No, package is NOT designed for
TUBES PVC / PVDC optimizing and advancing Develop package to be recycled in HDPE bottle or other stream
recyclability • Use a single plastic material with a recycling stream (e.g., HDPE)
TUBES HDPE Yes ,Proceed to step 2 • Colgate Palmolive announced in 2019 that it has a toothpaste
No, package is NOT designed for tube that is recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers
TUBES Other plastic optimizing and advancing
recyclability
(APR) for recyclability, using an HDPE design
No, package is NOT designed for • For plastic, use coatings and additives proven to be compatible
TUBES Aluminum optimizing and advancing with recycling to add necessary functionality \
recyclability • Consider a different package material and format that is
recyclable (e.g., paperboard box, PE bag)
Refer to the Other Packages: Plastic Tubes with Multiple Materials
section of the Walmart Recycling Playbook to determine if your package
is designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability.
49
49
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – SMALL PACKAGING
STEP ONE STEP TWO
a) Does your packaging meet the green pages or applicable Does your packaging contain any of
yellow pages of the Recycling Playbook for each packaging the following?
type + base material?
OR
b) If you supply to the US or Canada markets, has your
packaging been reviewed by How2Recycle and given an
overall rating of optimal, or recyclable but needs
improvement?
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO The package is NOT designed for optimizing and advancing recyclability if it uses any of the
SMALL PACKAGING PET Yes ,Proceed to step 2 below
SMALL PACKAGING HDPE Yes ,Proceed to step 2
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing PAPERBASED PET RIGIDS HDPE & PP RIGIDS LDPE RIGIDS
SMALL PACKAGING PVC / PVDC
and advancing recyclability
SMALL PACKAGING LDPE Yes ,Proceed to step 2 • Metal • Opaque or non • PVC components • Resin Color or
• Magnetic closures clear, transparent, (including labels) Additives: Dark
SMALL PACKAGING LLDPE Yes ,Proceed to step 2 • Radio-frequency light blue or green • Degradable additives colors, optical
SMALL PACKAGING PP Yes ,Proceed to step 2 identification • PETG bottles • Large amounts of brighteners,
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing • Double sided • PVC components heavy fillers degradable additives
SMALL PACKAGING PS plastic/polymer/resi (including labels) • Large labels (that • Attachments &
and advancing recyclability n coatings • Degradable aren’t APR approved) Closures: Metal,
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing additives • Metal attachments foils, PP, PVC,
SMALL PACKAGING EPS
and advancing recyclability • Large labels (that floating silicone
Other plastic (PETG, CPET, aren’t APR polymer, RFIDs
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing approved) • Labels: paper, PVC,
SMALL PACKAGING PC, multimaterial, or
and advancing recyclability • Metal attachments PLS, PS, metal foils,
blended resins) non-APR preferred
SMALL PACKAGING Glass Yes ,Proceed to step 2 labels
No, package is NOT designed for optimizing Refer to the Trays, Clamshells, & Thermoforms section of the Walmart Recycling
SMALL PACKAGING Other non-plastic
and advancing recyclability Playbook to determine if your package is designed for optimizing and advancing
SMALL PACKAGING Molded Pulp/Fiber Yes ,Proceed to step 2 recyclability.
SMALL PACKAGING Corrugate Yes ,Proceed to step 2
50
SMALL PACKAGING Paperboard Yes ,Proceed to step 2
50
HOW RECYCLABILITY IS DETERMINED

51
HOW RECYCLABILITY IS CAPTURED IN THE PRIVATE BRAND SURVEY
Walmart follows Ellen MacArthur’s definition for recyclable, reusable, and industrially compostable packaging
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s definition for each packaging type + base material is geographically agnostic. The system auto calculates this
total for you when you enter in your packaging data into the survey . See the diagram below for more information on how recyclability of an
item is determined.
Simplified version of Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability

Packaging not
No recyclable

No

Step 1: Does a ‘system for Yes Step 2: Do the various

recycling’ exist in practice
packaging components fit
and at scale for this
that ‘system for recycling’?
packaging category?
Yes

Packaging recyclable

PACKAGING
Walmart is referencing TYPE
PACKAGING MATERIAL
STEP ONE: YES OR NO Walmart’s Recycling
BOTTLE & JUG PET Yes, proceed to step 2
EMF’s guidance document BOTTLE & JUG HDPE Yes, proceed to step 2 Playbook and the
to identify packaging that BOTTLE & JUG PVC No, package is NOT recyclable
No, package is NOT recyclable How2Recycle label are
BOTTLE & JUG LDPE
can proceed to Step 2. BOTTLE & JUG LLDPE No, package is NOT recyclable resources to answer Step 2
BOTTLE & JUG
BOTTLE & JUG
PP
PS
Yes, proceed to step 2
No, package is NOT recyclable
of EMF’s recyclability
Look for this chart on each BOTTLE & JUG EPS No, package is NOT recyclable definition
Other plastic (PETG, CPET,
guidance page. BOTTLE & JUG PC, multimaterial, or blended
resins) No, package is NOT recyclable
BOTTLE & JUG Other non- plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
WA L MA RT FOL LOWS THE EL L EN MACA RTHUR FOUNDATION’S D EFINITIONS
FOR RECYCL A B IL ITY, RECYCL ED CONTENT, COMPOSTA B IL ITY A ND REUSE
Below are Walmart’s summarized version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s definitions. For the Ellen MacArthur
Foundation’s full definitions, please visit: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/13319-Global-
Commitment-Definitions.pdf

Recyclable PCR Compostable Bio-based Reuse

Definition: If it is in compliance Definition: Made from renewable Definition: Operation by which
Definition: If it is successful Definition: Proportion, by mass,
with relevant international resources instead of fossil fuels. packaging is refilled or used for
post-consumer collection, of post-consumer (1) recycled
compostability standards and if Examples of renewable carbon the same purpose for which it
sorting, and recycling is proven material in a product or
its successful post-consumer resources include corn, potatoes, was conceived,
to work in practice and at scale packaging.
collection, (sorting), and rice, soy, sugarcane, wheat, and with or without the support of
(1). vegetable oil. A biobased plastic
composting is proven to work in auxiliary products present on the
(1) Post-consumer recycled
practice and at scale. can be partly or entirely market, enabling the packaging
(1) The suggested test and content (PCR) is material
biobased. to
threshold to assess if the generated by households or by
be refilled.
recyclability of a packaging commercial, industrial and
Note that just because a plastic
design is proven ‘in practice and institutional facilities in their role
product is biobased does not Reusable packaging is
at scale’ is: as end users of the product
necessarily mean the product is packaging which has been
• Does that packaging achieve a which can no longer be used for
biodegradable, recyclable or designed to accomplish or proves
30% post-consumer recycling its intended purpose. This
compostable. its ability to accomplish a
rate in multiple regions, includes returns of material from
minimum number of trips or
collectively representing at the distribution chain.
rotations in a system for reuse.
least 400 million inhabitants?

The above threshold might be

reviewed by EMF over time as
more data becomes available.

53
PACKAGING THAT DOES NOT MEET THE ELLEN MACARTHUR
FOUNDATION’S THRESHOLD FOR IN-PRACTICE & AT SCALE

NO packaging in the red or yellow pages of the

Recycling Playbook meets the Ellen MacArthur
Foundation’s threshold for in-practice and at scale. This
includes:

• Bottles made with PVC, LDPE, LLDPE, PS, EPS, Other plastic

• Blister packs

• Any non-HDPE tray, clamshell, thermoform, jar, tub, cup, or

pail

• Tubes

• Paper based with metal cans, canisters, or cartons

• Plastic bags, films, pouches or sachets

• Plastic foam cushion, dunnage, inserts

• Plastic boxes or hang tags, backer or header cards

• Small packaging
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS &
OTHER RESOURCES

55
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is a primary package?

• Packaging that goes home with the customer (this excludes: ecommerce/shipping packaging,
shelf/retail ready packaging, PDQ trays, small hang tags (<2.5”), stickers)

• Why are some packaging type + base material listed as not recyclable in the survey, but identified as
recyclable in the Walmart Recycling Playbook?
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s definition of recyclability has two steps:
Step One: Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at scale? and
Step Two: Do the components fit the “system for recycling”?

• Walmart’s Recycling Playbook focuses on Step 2 and is founded on APR’s guidance documents

56
THE SUSTAINABILITY HUB, A ONE-STOP SHOP

 Find best practices to

design for recyclability
 Download the recycling
playbook
 Find webinar recordings
 Link to other resources walmartsustainabilityhub.com

57
HOW AUTO CALCULATIONS ARE MADE
for packaging where a system of recycling exists in
practice and at scale

58
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – RECYCLING OVERVIEW
Walmart utilizes the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s definition for recyclability, and ISO definitions for recycled content, compostability, and
reuse for purposes of measuring progress on Walmart’s global sustainability goals. This definition for each packaging type + base material is
geographically agnostic. The same definition and criteria is used for each country to determine if a package is or isn’t recyclable, reusable, or
industrially compostable.
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability

Packaging not
No recyclable

No

Step 1: Does a ‘system for Yes Step 2: Do the various

recycling’ exist in practice
packaging components fit
and at scale for this
that ‘system for recycling’?
packaging category?
Yes

Packaging recyclable

PACKAGING
Walmart is referencing TYPE
PACKAGING MATERIAL
STEP ONE: YES OR NO Walmart’s Recycling
BOTTLE & JUG PET Yes, proceed to step 2
EMF’s guidance document BOTTLE & JUG HDPE Yes, proceed to step 2 Playbook and the
to identify packaging that BOTTLE & JUG PVC No, package is NOT recyclable
No, package is NOT recyclable How2Recycle label are
BOTTLE & JUG LDPE
can proceed to Step 2. BOTTLE & JUG LLDPE No, package is NOT recyclable resources to answer Step 2
BOTTLE & JUG
BOTTLE & JUG
PP
PS
Yes, proceed to step 2
No, package is NOT recyclable
of EMF’s recyclability
Look for this chart on each BOTTLE & JUG EPS No, package is NOT recyclable definition
Other plastic (PETG, CPET,
guidance page. BOTTLE & JUG PC, multimaterial, or blended
resins) No, package is NOT recyclable
BOTTLE & JUG Other non- plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – BOTTLE & JUG
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at STEP TWO – Do the components fit the “system for recycling”?
scale?
PACKAGING The package does NOT fit the “system for recycling” if it uses any of the below
PACKAGING MATERIAL
TYPE STEP ONE: YES OR NO
BOTTLE & JUG PET Yes, proceed to step 2 PET RIGID PACKAGING HDPE & PP RIGID PACKAGING
BOTTLE & JUG HDPE Yes, proceed to step 2
BOTTLE & JUG PVC No, package is NOT recyclable • Opaque or non clear, • PVC components (including labels)
No, package is NOT recyclable transparent, light blue or green • Degradable additives
BOTTLE & JUG LDPE • PETG bottles • Large amounts of heavy fillers
BOTTLE & JUG LLDPE No, package is NOT recyclable • PVC components (including • Large labels (that aren’t APR
BOTTLE & JUG PP Yes, proceed to step 2 labels) approved)
• Degradable additives • Metal attachments
BOTTLE & JUG PS No, package is NOT recyclable
• Large labels (that aren’t APR
BOTTLE & JUG EPS No, package is NOT recyclable
approved)
Other plastic (PETG, CPET, PC, • Metal attachments
BOTTLE & JUG
multimaterial, or blended resins) No, package is NOT recyclable
BOTTLE & JUG Other non- plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
Refer to the Walmart Recycling Playbook for more information

60
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – BLISTER PACK
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at

scale? At this time, no packaging meets Step 1.
PACKAGING
TYPE
PACKAGING MATERIAL
STEP ONE: YES OR NO Therefore, there is no need to answer Step 2.
BLISTER PACK PET plastic and fiber No, package is NOT recyclable
BLISTER PACK PVC plastic and fiber No, package is NOT recyclable The packaging is not recyclable.
BLISTER PACK PE plastic and fiber No, package is NOT recyclable
BLISTER PACK Other No, package is NOT recyclable

61
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – TRAY, CLAMSHELL, THERMOFORM
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at STEP TWO – Do the components fit the “system for recycling”?
scale?
PACKAGING The package does NOT fit the “system for recycling” if it uses any of the below
PACKAGING MATERIAL
TYPE STEP ONE: YES OR NO
TRAY, CLAMSH… PET No, package is NOT recyclable HDPE RIGID PACKAGING
TRAY, CLAMSH… HDPE Yes, proceed to step 2
TRAY, CLAMSH… PVC No, package is NOT recyclable
• PVC components (including labels)
TRAY, CLAMSH… LDPE No, package is NOT recyclable • Degradable additives
TRAY, CLAMSH… LLDPE No, package is NOT recyclable • Large amounts of heavy fillers
TRAY, CLAMSH… PP No, package is NOT recyclable • Large labels (that aren’t APR approved)
TRAY, CLAMSH… PS No, package is NOT recyclable • Metal attachments
TRAY, CLAMSH… EPS No, package is NOT recyclable
Other plastic (PETG, CPET, PC,
TRAY, CLAMSH… acrylic, multimaterial, or blended
resins) No, package is NOT recyclable
TRAY, CLAMSH… Aluminum Yes, proceed to Step 2
Refer to the Walmart Recycling Playbook for more information

62
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – JARS, TUBS, CUPS, PAILS
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at STEP TWO – Do the components fit the “system for recycling”?
scale?
The package does NOT fit the “system for recycling” if it uses any of the below
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, PET No, package is NOT recyclable HDPE RIGID PACKAGING
Yes ,Proceed to step 2
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, HDPE
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, PVC No, package is NOT recyclable • PVC components (including labels)
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, LDPE No, package is NOT recyclable • Degradable additives
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, LLDPE No, package is NOT recyclable • Large amounts of heavy fillers
No, package is NOT recyclable • Large labels (that aren’t APR approved)
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, PP
• Metal attachments
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, PS No, package is NOT recyclable
JARS, TUBS, CUPS, EPS No, package is NOT recyclable
Other plastic (PETG, PC,
JARS, TUBS, CUPS,
multimaterial, blended resins) No, package is NOT recyclable
Refer to the Walmart Recycling Playbook for more information

63
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – TUBES
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at STEP TWO – Do the components fit the “system for recycling”?
scale?
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO
TUBES PVC No, package is NOT recyclable
TUBES HDPE No, package is NOT recyclable At this time, no packaging meets Step 1.
TUBES Other plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
TUBES Aluminum No, package is NOT recyclable Therefore, there is no need to answer Step 2.

The packaging is not recyclable.

Refer to the Walmart Recycling Playbook for more information

64
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – CANS, CANISTERS, CARTONS
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging 100%
recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at STEP TWO – Do the components fit the “system for recycling”?
scale?
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO The package does NOT fit the “system for recycling” if it uses any of the below
CANS, CANNISTE.. Metal (Aluminum, Steel, tin) Yes, proceed to step 2
CANS, CANNISTE.. Paper-based w/o metal Yes, proceed to step 2 PAPER-BASED PACKAGING
CANS, CANNISTE.. Paper-based w/metal No, package is NOT recyclable

• Metal
• Magnetic closures
• Radio-frequency identification
• Double sided plastic/polymer/resin coatings

Refer to the Walmart Recycling Playbook for more information

65
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – BAGS, FILMS, POUCHES, SACHETS
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at STEP TWO – Do the components fit the “system for recycling”?
scale?
The package does NOT fit the “system for recycling” if it uses any of the below
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO
PAPER-BASED PACKAGING
BAGS, FILM, POU.. Paper Yes, proceed to step 2
PE Plastic (HDPE, MDPE, LDPE,
BAGS, FILM, POU..
LLDPE) No, package is NOT recyclable
BAGS, FILM, POU.. PVC No, package is NOT recyclable • Metal
Other plastic (Nylon, PP, PLA, PET, • Magnetic closures
BAGS, FILM, POU.. • Radio-frequency identification
multimaterial …) No, package is NOT recyclable
• Double sided plastic/polymer/resin coatings

Refer to the Walmart Recycling Playbook for more information

66
66
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – FOAM CUSHION, DUNNAGE, INSERTS
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at STEP TWO – Do the components fit the “system for recycling”?
scale?
The package does NOT fit the “system for recycling” if it uses any of the below
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO
PAPER-BASED PACKAGING
FOAM CUSHION.. PE film/pillow No, package is NOT recyclable
FOAM CUSHION.. EPE No, package is NOT recyclable
FOAM CUSHION.. EPP No, package is NOT recyclable
FOAM CUSHION.. Other plastic film/pillow No, package is NOT recyclable • Metal
FOAM CUSHION.. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) No, package is NOT recyclable • Magnetic closures
• Radio-frequency identification
FOAM CUSHION.. Molded Pulp/Fiber Yes, proceed to step 2
• Double sided plastic/polymer/resin coatings
FOAM CUSHION.. Corrugate Yes, proceed to step 2
FOAM CUSHION.. Paperboard Yes, proceed to step 2
FOAM CUSHION.. Other non-plastic No, package is NOT recyclable

Refer to the Walmart Recycling Playbook for more information

67
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – BOX
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at STEP TWO – Do the components fit the “system for recycling”?
scale?
The package does NOT fit the “system for recycling” if it uses any of the below
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO
PAPER-BASED PACKAGING
BOX Paperboard Yes, proceed to step 2
BOX Corrugate Yes, proceed to step 2
BOX Molded Pulp/Fiber Yes, proceed to step 2
• Metal
BOX Other non-plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
• Magnetic closures
BOX EPS No, package is NOT recyclable
• Radio-frequency identification
BOX Paperboard with Plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
• Double sided plastic/polymer/resin coatings
BOX Corrugate with Plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
BOX PVC No, package is NOT recyclable
BOX Other Plastic ((PET, HDPE, PP…) No, package is NOT recyclable

Refer to the Walmart Recycling Playbook for more information

68
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – SMALL PACKAGING
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at scale?
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO
SMALL PACKAGING PET No, package is NOT recyclable
SMALL PACKAGING HDPE No, package is NOT recyclable
SMALL PACKAGING PVC No, package is NOT recyclable
At this time, no packaging meets Step 1.
SMALL PACKAGING LDPE No, package is NOT recyclable
SMALL PACKAGING LLDPE No, package is NOT recyclable
SMALL PACKAGING PP No, package is NOT recyclable Therefore, there is no need to answer Step 2.
SMALL PACKAGING PS No, package is NOT recyclable
SMALL PACKAGING EPS No, package is NOT recyclable The packaging is not recyclable.
Other plastic (PETG, CPET, PC,
SMALL PACKAGING No, package is NOT recyclable
multimaterial, or blended resins)
SMALL PACKAGING Glass No, package is NOT recyclable
SMALL PACKAGING Other non-plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
SMALL PACKAGING Molded Pulp/Fiber No, package is NOT recyclable
SMALL PACKAGING Corrugate No, package is NOT recyclable Refer to the Walmart Recycling Playbook for more information
SMALL PACKAGING Paperboard No, package is NOT recyclable

69
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT – HANG TAGS, BACKER CARDS,
HEADER CARDS
Simplified version of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition for Recyclability
Packaging not
No recyclable

No
Step 1: Does a ‘system Step 2: Do the various
for recycling’ exist in Yes packaging components
practice and at scale for fit that ‘system for
this packaging category? recycling’?
Yes
Packaging recyclable

STEP ONE – Does a “system for recycling” exist in practice and at scale?
The package does NOT fit the “system for recycling” if it uses any of the below
PACKAGING TYPE PACKAGING MATERIAL STEP ONE: YES OR NO
HANG TAGS, BACKER Paperboard PAPER-BASED PACKAGING
Yes, proceed to step 2
HANG TAGS, BACKER Paper Yes, proceed to step 2
HANG TAGS, BACKER Corrugate Yes, proceed to step 2 • Metal
• Magnetic closures
HANG TAGS, BACKER PE Plastic (HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) No, package is NOT recyclable • Radio-frequency identification
• Double sided plastic/polymer/resin coatings
HANG TAGS, BACKER PVC No, package is NOT recyclable
HANG TAGS, BACKER Other plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
HANG TAGS, BACKER paperboard with plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
HANG TAGS, BACKER corrugate with plastic No, package is NOT recyclable
Refer to the Walmart Recycling Playbook for more information

70