In an article published on October 26, 2017, the U.S. non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (SCHF) reported that retailer Costco has adopted a new chemicals management policy. Costco announced the new policy on its website and commits to reducing harmful chemicals in consumer goods. Specifically, the retailer is taking the following steps through collaboration with its supply chain: 1) Identifying chemicals of concern (COCs), 2) removing or substituting the identified COCs, 3) reducing the use of hazardous chemicals in manufacturing processes, and 4) reviewing qualified third-party green certifications.
Costco further informed that it is testing different consumer product categories (e.g. toys, children’s products, food use items, furniture, electrical equipment, apparel, home textiles) for regulated chemicals such as heavy metals, substances of very high concern (SVHCs under REACH), formaldehyde, flame retardants, dyes, phthalates, and bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7). Beyond this, Costco has launched a product screening program addressing “chemicals of regulatory and social concern” earlier this year (FPF reported). This “Smart Screening Program” and the list of targeted chemicals are now disclosed on the retailer’s website. Lastly, Costco announced that it has started a collaboration with the Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry to continuously develop the management of COCs in its supply chain.
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SCHF (October 26, 2017). “Costco develops new safer chemicals policy.”
Costco Wholesale (2017). “Environmental Impacts.”
Tammy Lovell (November 2, 2017). “Costco works with green center on chemical management.” Chemical Watch
