Walmart phasing out toxic paint removal products
Walmart announced today that it will phase out paint removal products with the chemicals methylene chloride and N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) from its stores in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and Walmart.com by February 2019.
The retailer said the move is part of its initiative to work with suppliers and the industry to accelerate the adoption and use of sustainable chemistry practices that exceed customers’ expectations.
“At Walmart, we are committed to providing our customers with access to affordable, effective and more sustainable products,” said Zach Freeze, senior director of strategic initiatives for sustainability at Walmart. “We will continue to work with suppliers, NGOs, academics, government and industry stakeholders as we advance our sustainable chemistry commitments.”
The move follows Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Sherwin-Williams who have already removed the products containing the chemicals. Methylene chloride and NMP pose a health concerns, including cancer, harm to the nervous system and childhood development, and Methylene chloride has caused multiple deaths in recent years.
Walmart said that last year it became the first retailer to participate in the Chemical Footprint Project survey. Walmart’s categories of focus include household cleaning, personal care, baby, pet, beauty, and cosmetic products. Walmart publicly reports its progress annually on its sustainability commitments through its Global Responsibility Report and Sustainability Hub.
“Walmart’s long been a leader in driving sustainable chemistry in consumable products. We applaud this recent step to expand that area of focus and to remove paint strippers with methylene chloride and NMP from store shelves,” said Boma Brown-West, senior manager of consumer health at Environmental Defense Fund. “We look forward to Walmart’s continued sustainable chemistry leadership.”
The retailer said the move is part of its initiative to work with suppliers and the industry to accelerate the adoption and use of sustainable chemistry practices that exceed customers’ expectations.
“At Walmart, we are committed to providing our customers with access to affordable, effective and more sustainable products,” said Zach Freeze, senior director of strategic initiatives for sustainability at Walmart. “We will continue to work with suppliers, NGOs, academics, government and industry stakeholders as we advance our sustainable chemistry commitments.”
The move follows Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Sherwin-Williams who have already removed the products containing the chemicals. Methylene chloride and NMP pose a health concerns, including cancer, harm to the nervous system and childhood development, and Methylene chloride has caused multiple deaths in recent years.
Walmart said that last year it became the first retailer to participate in the Chemical Footprint Project survey. Walmart’s categories of focus include household cleaning, personal care, baby, pet, beauty, and cosmetic products. Walmart publicly reports its progress annually on its sustainability commitments through its Global Responsibility Report and Sustainability Hub.
“Walmart’s long been a leader in driving sustainable chemistry in consumable products. We applaud this recent step to expand that area of focus and to remove paint strippers with methylene chloride and NMP from store shelves,” said Boma Brown-West, senior manager of consumer health at Environmental Defense Fund. “We look forward to Walmart’s continued sustainable chemistry leadership.”