Loblaw’s 2010 CSR report released

Loblaw Cos. Ltd. issued its 2010 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report: The Way We Do Business that details its achievements and key areas of focus.

"In 2010 we continued to make progress against CSR targets and I am particularly pleased with our efforts to reduce our environmental impact and improve the sustainability of our food supply," said Galen G. Weston, executive chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited.  "Looking forward we recognize the increased importance Canadians are placing on making good diet, health and nutrition choices.  We believe Loblaw can and should be a meaningful partner in addressing these concerns."

Among its long-term initiatives, Loblaw granted a $3 million gift to the University of Guelph to establish the Loblaw Companies Limited Chair in Sustainable Food Production, and took a leading role in the development of the Conference Board of Canada's Centre for Food in Canada, which aims to develop a framework for a national food strategy.

Loblaw's approach to business is guided by five corporate social responsibility pillars: Respect the Environment, Source with Integrity, Make a Positive Difference in our Community, Reflect our Nation's Diversity and Be A Great Place to Work.



2010 highlights include:
Respect the environment

-Launched 37 new PC G.R.E.E.N products.

-Loblaw customers used 73 per cent fewer plastic shopping bags and since 2007, Loblaw customers used 2.5 billion fewer plastic shopping bags.

-Reduced PC product packaging by 2.3 million kilograms.

-Achieved 70 per cent diversion of waste-to-landfill from distribution centres.

-Commenced renewable energy (photovoltaic/solar panels) pilot projects at two store locations.

Source with Integrity

-Introduced 22 Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable products on it shelves and removing four identified 'at risk' seafood species from shelves.

-Launched a national public awareness campaign that included providing a documentary about the state of our oceans, End of the Line, to more than 700 Canadian schools across the country and the launch of a sustainable seafood Facebook site and website.

-Sourced up to 40 per cent of produce in Loblaw stores in July and August from Canadian growers, and featured up to 180 products from Canadian growers as part of Loblaw's Grown Close to Home program.

-Became the first national Canadian grocery retailer to require Loblaw private brand suppliers to comply with safety standards under the Global Food Safety Initiative.

Make a positive difference in our community

-Donated more than $12.6 million to local charities across Canada and Loblaw colleagues, employees, customers and vendors donated more than $22.4 million to local charities through in-store fundraising initiatives to help benefit Canadians nationally.

Reflect our nation's diversity

-Increased the percentage of female store managers to 21.7 per cent.

-Dedicated space for culturally diverse merchandise in 74 per cent of Loblaw corporate and franchise stores.

Be a great place to work

-Recognized as a top Canadian employer for a second consecutive year and a top employer for young people by Mediacorp Canada Inc.

-Introduced a new program called Above and Beyond the Call of Duty to recognize colleagues for outstanding effort and customer service.