By: Rachelle C. Paunlagui
Upson is fully transitioning to reusable bags, eliminating single-use plastic and paper bag packaging across our Octagon, Micro Valley, and Gadget King stores.
“We recognize the need for businesses to help address the challenges facing our world today including global issues such as single-use packaging” said Arlene Sy, President and CEO. “As we work towards creating and sustaining value, this responsibility shapes our decisions, business strategy, and commitments. We’re taking action, as appropriate, to reduce environmental damage and find new ways to continually make a positive impact for people and the planet.”
Made from non-woven polypropylene, the bag is more durable than single-use plastics and paper bags. It can withstand handling and transport and can be used multiple times. It also takes less energy to produce than cotton bags, resulting in less carbon emissions.
“This initiative follows other sustainable options that we’ve tested since 2015. We realize that the transition comes with a learning curve for customers. There is also no clear answer on which bag is the best and most sustainable. But we keep working with customers to help reduce packaging waste. To this end, we provide an eco-friendly packaging that is suitable for our products.”
According to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards, packaging is one of the material sustainability issues for Multiline and Specialty Retailers & Distributors. Companies in this industry are recommended to engage with suppliers and employ strategies to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. Examples of such strategies include optimizing packaging weight and volume to fit its purpose, or using materials that are renewable, recycled, recyclable, or compostable.
“We know that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations will only become more important in delivering long-term, resilient returns for our shareholders. We will continue to evaluate the SASB standards that are relevant to us and look to other principles, frameworks, and practices to guide us in governance and reporting.”
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