Home Depot phases out harmful EPS and PVC packaging materials

Home Depot has made significant progress in its efforts to reduce harmful packaging materials, aligning with growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly packaging. By eliminating certain materials and cutting down on packaging usage, the company aims to reduce landfill waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions related to packaging.

Through collaboration with its private-brand product suppliers, Home Depot has been able to optimise packaging design. Between 2017 and 2023, the company redesigned over 1,280 product packages, reducing the overall size and material used.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) film, both synthetic and difficult to recycle, have been removed from packaging for Home Depot's private-brand products in the U.S., Canada, and online. In 2023, Home Depot eliminated approximately 6 million cubic feet of EPS—equivalent to about 67 Olympic-sized swimming pools—and over 39 million square feet of PVC film, which could cover more than 513 soccer fields.

The removal of these materials not only helps reduce environmental impact but also minimises packaging waste and shipping costs for customers.

Looking ahead, Home Depot plans to continue collaborating with suppliers to exclude these materials from future packaging. The company has set a goal for all new private-brand fibre packaging to be compostable, recyclable, or made from recycled content by fiscal 2027 across its U.S. and Canada stores.

Candace Rodriguez, senior director of sustainability at The Home Depot, said: We believe that by embedding sustainability into our business strategy, we can create long-term success for our associates, customers, communities, and shareholders. Our efforts to promote operational efficiencies, minimise waste, and drive product innovation will help us move our industry forward.

Home Depot recognises that sustainable practices are beneficial not only for the environment but also for business.