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Simple Truth Recycling aims to recover a range of packaging from 300+ products not currently accepted in curbside programs including produce bags, bread bags and plastic overwrap.

PlasticsToday Staff

August 4, 2020

2 Min Read
Kroger Recycling graphic
Image: Kroger

The Kroger Co. announced August 4 the launch of its Simple Truth Recycling Program, offering customers a free and simple way to recycle the flexible packaging of more than 300 products from the company's private-label Simple Truth product line. It's America's largest natural and organic brand, with annual sales exceeding $2.5 billion in 2019.

Developed in partnership with TerraCycle, Kroger's new platform enables customers to recycle a wide range of flexible packaging not currently accepted in curbside recycling programs, including produce bags, bread bags and plastic overwrap from household items like tissues and bottled water. The Simple Truth Recycling Program marks another significant milestone for Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan. Kroger as the first Fortune 25 retailer to offer a free recycling program for its own private-label brand.

Kroger Recycling logo

Convenience is fundamental to any recycling program and Kroger’s program increases the simplicity: Consumers can recycle without leaving home.

"A key part of achieving our ambitious vision is offering our customers innovative solutions to recycle and reuse product packaging," said Keith Dailey, group vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer. "We're thrilled to partner with TerraCycle to launch our new Simple Truth Recycling Program, supporting our sustainable packaging goals and enabling Kroger customers to recycle their favorite Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic products without ever leaving home."

Program steps:

  • Sign up at TerraCycle.com/SimpleTruth

  • Collect Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic flexible plastic packaging  including bags, pouches, liners, and wraps;

  • Ship the packaging to TerraCycle using a free, prepaid shipping label;

  • Earn points for every pound of eligible packaging sent;

  • Redeem points as donations to charitable organizations.

"Thanks to companies like The Kroger Co. and their popular Simple Truth product line, consumers can enjoy their favorite foods while being rewarded for doing the right thing," said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle founder and CEO. "As the first major retailer to create a free recycling program for their own private-label brand, Kroger is offering consumers the opportunity to divert packaging from landfills and make a positive impact on the environment for future generations."

The Simple Truth Recycling Program is currently open to individuals, schools, offices and community organizations across the U.S. The Simple Truth portfolio includes more than 2,000 natural and organic products, with hundreds of new items launching each year.

"Sustainable packaging is a core tenet of our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan," said Dailey. “As we continue to drive progress toward our current 2020 sustainability commitments, we're laser-focused on reducing unnecessary packaging from our enterprise, reusing where we can and striving for more sustainable packaging across our private-label portfolio."

By the end of 2019, Kroger reduced the amount of plastic resin in Our Brands packaging by 10.1 million pounds.

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