Harris Teeter - Packaging

Packaging

Product packaging is heavily integrated into our daily lives. By properly enclosing and protecting products for distribution, storage or sale in our stores we ensure the quality and safefy of our products. With the large amount of products available in our stores we have become more cognizant of our packaging and are looking for ways to provide the same quality and design in sustainable packages.

Farmers Market Produce Bags – All produce bags used in the Harris Teeter Farmers Market have an EPI additive that allows the plastic to degrade. Harris Teeter was the first in its operating markets to offer a degradable bag with this technology.

Bakery Bags - Using the same technology as our produce bags, our bakery bags are also degradable.

Produce Fruit Cups – We are using a product made from corn, not oil-based plastic.

Paper Grocery Bags – All Harris Teeter paper grocery bags are produced from 100% recycled paper. By upgrading our paper bag from 35% recycled paper to 100% recycled product we estimate we are able to save 22,293 trees a year.

Plastic Grocery Bags - Our plastic grocery bags are made with 40% recycled plastic and are recyclabe.

Pan Liners and Deli Sheets - We use a chlorine-free pulp paper that is packaged in a 100% recycled carton and printed with soy-based inks.

Deli, Meat and Seafood Wrap - We use a chlorine-free pulp paper that is printed with soy-based ink and packaged in a 100% recycled cardboard box.

Restroom Paper Towels - The towels in our restrooms contain 70% recycled fiber and are certified by the EPA and the First Stewardship Council.

Meat Soaker Pads - The absorbent material in the center of the pads is made from recycled cardboard.

Labels - The company that makes our labels has become a "Zero Landfill" facility meaning that the waste left over from their production process does not go to a landfill. Their paper waste is formed into fuel pellets and is used to create energy; saving 1,000 tons of coal per year. This process also saves over 1,400 tons of paper waste annually.

Harris Teeter is committed to incorporating environmentally conscious packaging whenever appropriate. We have made it standard practice to ask our suppliers about their packaging options and capabilities. When possible we encourage the use of ink-jet printing on warehouse cases instead of labels and when re-designing packaging or developing new products, we will work to minimize packaging.