When you see packaging on the shelves at your local Walmart store, it’s likely that you’re seeing the work of Elizabeth Costa, Walmart Canada’s Senior Manager for Package Design, and others like her who play an important role in ensuring the products not only look great but also meet rigorous quality standards and align with Walmart’s work in sustainability and innovation.
Elizabeth works with suppliers and cross-functional teams to improve recyclability and explore innovative materials in packaging. Her dedication to her work ensures that Walmart Canada remains at the forefront of sustainability in packaging balancing functionality, aesthetics and environmental responsibility.
“I think about future generations. I think about what type of world we will leave them in. It’s everyone’s responsibility to help protect this earth. It’s about change,” shares Elizabeth.
Supporting suppliers on their sustainability journey
Elizabeth works closely with suppliers, encouraging them to use recyclable materials, reduce waste and shrink their packaging footprint. This starts with a clear plan, including the Golden Design Rules for Plastic Packaging, along with helpful resources, such as the Walmart Recycling Playbook and the Walmart Packaging Circular Connector.
“I want our suppliers to become industry leaders, to challenge themselves and to ask how they can embrace sustainability at every stage. It’s not just about the materials used. It’s about what happens to packaging at the end of its life and how we can improve waste facilities to handle more recyclable materials,” says Elizabeth.
By working together, Walmart Canada and its suppliers are making real progress in providing more recyclable packaging options to Canadians.
Associates like Elizabeth not only challenge suppliers to reconsider their packaging, but also inspire those around her to push for better solutions.
"Elizabeth is a true catalyst for change as she’s constantly challenging the status quo. Whether she’s researching the latest trends or rethinking how products are packaged, she drives innovation and sustainability forward. She also embodies our company’s values and culture, making her an inspiring leader and an incredible colleague. I'm honoured to learn from her," says Jennifer Barbazza, Senior Manager for Sustainability at Walmart Canada.
In 2020, Walmart Canada launched the “Walmart Canada Charter on Plastics” to reduce unnecessary plastic waste and increase plastic recycling across its operations. As of April 2022, single-use plastic checkout bags are no longer offered in stores and the company is working toward making all Walmart Brands’ product packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable.
