Responsibility | Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Responsibility stories

A photo of a family walking through the snow.

How we’re continuing to help Canadians Live Life Well

We made significant progress last year with regards to our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets, including the launch of our new strategy which is rooted in our company’s purpose – to help Canadians Live Life Well. This strategy is focused on Fighting Climate Change and Advancing Social Equity.

March 2, 2023

A young girl holds a bag full of apples, smiling.

Responsibility

Here are the Top 5 ESG stories of 2022

As 2022 comes to a close, we wanted to look back on some of the top stories of the year. This year marked some transformational changes - not only in the bold commitments we’ve made (spoiler – there were some BIG ones!), but also in how we talk about ESG and integrate it into everything we do.

January 4, 2023

A picture of two banana pallets showing the cardboard cornerboards used on the banana boxes.

Environment

How we diverted the weight of a Boeing 747-400 airplane in plastics

A few months into his new role as Procurement Director of Bananas, Melons, and Tropical, Sebastian Kmiecik was presented with a problem: find an alternative to the plastic cornerboards used in shipping bananas from the tropics.

December 21, 2022

See more stories

Environment

Social

Governance

Environment

Social

Governance

We're reducing the impact of our operations on the environment. We're improving our approach to waste management, packaging, energy use and more.

Carbon footprint

We have a significant carbon footprint and recognize our responsibility in the fight against climate change. We’re committed to being part of the solution.

Learn more about our net-zero plan

How we're reducing food waste

Some food waste is unavoidable, but most of it is unnecessary and unacceptable. We’re tackling this issue head-on with an ambitious plan to reduce our food waste.

Explore food waste

Our approach to plastics

There is too much plastic waste in Canada. The impact of plastics overuse is a growing concern for our business and our customers. Our industry is a part of the problem and we can be part of the solution.

Explore plastics

Environmental commitment

Our commitment to the environment goes beyond complying with all laws and regulations. We also set our own policies, procedures, programs and targets to reduce our impact on the environment. We review these often to ensure continuous improvement.

Our commitment

Environment at a glance

13.8 billion

plastic bags eliminated from our stores since 2007.

30.9%

reduction in our corporate carbon footprint since 2011.

86%

reduction in food waste sent to landfill since 2017

We make a positive difference in our communities. We focus on charities that tackle childhood hunger and put women’s health first, and fund research that advances solutions to sustainable food challenges.

A woman and a man working together sorting cans of food in a warehouse.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

We are building a culture that is inclusive of all Canadians. One where our colleagues can be who they are regardless of race, gender, ability or orientation. We embrace and respect differences. We denounce acts of discrimination and bias. And we support vulnerable groups in our workplaces and our communities.

Explore diversity, equity and inclusion

Charitable impacts and giving

Our charitable activities address childhood hunger and educating children about nutrition, putting women’s health first and local charitable giving. If your organization has a program that directly helps those in your community, we may be able to help.

Community at a glance

44% reduction

Reduced colleague injuries by 44% over the past 10 years.

5 million kilograms donated

Donated 5 million kilograms of food to food banks and food recovery agencies in 2020.

Loblaw Scholarship Program

The Loblaw Scholarship, a program dedicated to promoting higher education, provides financial support for those actively employed by Loblaw. Up to 200 scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to our colleagues in 2022. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time post-secondary or undergraduate degree program at a Canadian college or university in the Fall 2022 / Winter 2023 school year.

Disaster response

When a disaster happens, our colleagues step up. We fund relief programs and organizations to do what’s right for the communities we serve. Each year we also partner with Canadian Red Cross and UNICEF Canada to help their emergency efforts at home and abroad.

Customers expect our products to be safe and responsibly sourced. We stay true to our values all the way through our supply chain. We promote safe and sustainable products and support Canadian suppliers.

Ethical sourcing

We have high ethical sourcing standards, and expect our suppliers to uphold the same values and principles. Through our Integrity Action Line we’re making it easier for workers and suppliers to speak up when our standards, values and principles are compromised.

Explore ethical sourcing

Human rights

We protect human rights and have taken significant steps to improve safety and transparency in our international supply chain, specifically for manufacturing and materials procurement. We continue to collaborate with stakeholders to improve the lives of factory workers globally.

Explore human rights

Animal welfare

We’re one of Canada’s largest buyers and sellers of meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Our customers expect our food to be safe, high quality, responsibly sourced and produced in a humane way.

Explore animal welfare

Sourcing at a glance

100%

of President’s Choice^® shell eggs are sourced from hens raised in cage-free environments.

More than 400

Canadian growers and packers supply produce for our stores.

Locally-grown produce

We're proud to offer an array of Canadian-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. With a focus on innovation, we plan to increase locally-grown purchases by $150 million by 2025.

Commodities

Our customers expect healthy and safe products that come from sustainable sources. We monitor commodities that are at risk, like seafood and palm oil. We have controls in place to make sure our products meet our sourcing standards.

Explore commodities

Chemicals and antibiotics

When it comes to chemicals, antibiotics and GMOs, we’re committed to the highest levels of safety and quality.

Explore chemicals and antibiotics

Our partners

Have responsibility questions?

csr@loblaw.ca

As a part of our culture of integrity, it is important that non-compliant and unethical matters are reported.

Call the Integrity Action Line: 1-800-525-7868 (available in English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Spanish and Korean languages); or visit www.integrityactionline.com (available in English, French and Spanish languages).

Live Life Well

Responsibility at Loblaw

Responsibility stories

Apply for sponsorship

Leading change that matters

Our partners

2021 ESG Report

Our reports

Code of Conduct and Ethical Sourcing

Carbon Reduction Strategy

Policies and Statements

Have responsibility questions?