Wal-Mart Stores Inc. wants its suppliers to consider what will happen to packaging when the consumer is done with it.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has condensed its sustainable packaging guidelines in one document to help its suppliers align with its goals.

The retailer’s Sustainable Packaging Playbook was unveiled at a summit Wal-Mart held Oct. 25 at its Bentonville, Ark., headquarters. The playbook presents clear guidelines that affect plastics packaging.

Several times in the document, Wal-Mart advises suppliers to avoid PVC packaging.

“We’ve seen lots of suppliers make progress,” said Wal-Mart senior vice president of sustainability Laura Phillips in a phone interview prior to the summit. She cited Mattel Inc. as a good example. The toy maker scores high on Wal-Mart’s sustainability index by replacing PVC blister packaging for Barbie dolls and other toys.

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