Wal-Mart Boosts Production of Sustainable Products

Walmart teams up with Worldwise Inc., makers of PoochPlanet and SmartyKat pet products, to launch a new business model wherein Walmart will provide Worldwise with recyclable waste materials that will be turned into a variety of new environmentally responsible pet products for sale at Walmart starting in October 2010.

"Traditionally businesses environmental programs have centered around their own processes and products," said Aaron Lamstein, executive chairman for Worldwise. Inc. "This new partnership with Walmart shows how manufacturers and retailers can work together to integrate their resources to improve the environment for everyone."

The Full Circle program is the result of years of effort by Worldwise to create a closed loop system that uses customer recyclables in the manufacturing process of new products. Encouraged in 2007 by a challenge from Walmart to 'raise the bar' in sustainability innovation, Worldwise approached the retailer with the concept. Walmart agreed and after working through some complex supply chain and manufacturing challenges, stores are now stocked with PoochPlanet and SmartyKat pet products containing recycled Walmart materials.

Nine Full Circle recycled Worldwise pet products are now available at Walmart, including pet beds, cat scratchers and litter accessories.

"This program is just the type of innovative thinking that will help Walmart reach its company wide goals for sustainability," says John Kunkel, sr. buyer, Pets for Walmart. "We are committed to creating zero waste and the closed loop partnership with Worldwise is a perfect example of how retailers and suppliers can cooperate to innovate and achieve greater sustainability."

For more information about the Full Circle program, visit https://www.fullcircle-walmart.com.