Recognized as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2025):
By Richard Yerema and Chantel Watkins, and Sonja Verpoort, Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editors (Apr 21, 2025)
Here are some of the reasons why Staples Canada ULC was selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2025):
- Staples Canada is an Ultimate Sponsor of Tree Canada, working with the organization for over a decade and helping to plant more than 250,000 trees thus far -- last year, in recognition of National Tree Day, employees headed out and planted trees in 11 locations across the country
- Staples Canada demonstrates how small deeds can lead to bigger impacts through its decade-plus partnership with TerraCycle -- since 2012, the company has collected ten million old writing pens and markers of all types (the equivalent of the weight of 142 grand pianos or 32 mid-sized automobiles)
- Staples Canada offers over 2,500 eco-friendly product choices for its customers -- products are sourced from a range of suppliers and certified by organizations such as Forest Stewardship Council, Sustainability Forestry Initiative, Rainforest Alliance, ECOLOGO, Energy Star, and others
Staples Canada gets real on sustainability
A recognized national leader in sustainability, Staples Canada ULC has been driving meaningful change across its operations with a clear commitment to environmental responsibility.
From energy efficiency and waste reduction to decarbonization, the company’s sustainability strategy touches many aspects of the business. Through initiatives such as in-store recycling programs, renewable energy partnerships and carbon reduction efforts, Staples is not only reducing its environmental footprint, but also helping its customers and communities make a positive impact.
“Sustainability can be very broad, and it can mean something different to everyone,” says Brian McDougall, chief retail officer, Staples Canada. “So, Staples has focused on areas that align with our values and how we show up in the communities we serve. We make it easy for individuals, businesses and educators to understand how they can make a difference.”
An example of this approach is a program that Staples launched over 20 years ago in partnership with HP that encourages customers to recycle ink and toner cartridges at Staples stores and through its delivery fleet. To date, the program has kept 300 million ink and toner cartridges out of landfill.
Another sustainability development underway is the deployment of electric vehicles as part of Staples’ delivery operations. There are currently a total of 12 vehicles in operation in Toronto and Port Coquitlam, B.C., with more on the way.
“We believe in a shared responsibility to sustain the planet for future generations as part of our community and sustainability mandate,” says Michelle Lomack, director of communications and corporate social responsibility.
Staples’ long-standing partnership with Tree Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees across the country, is part of the company’s dedication to being “planet-passionate” and supporting meaningful change in communities. To date, the partnership has seen over 200,000 trees planted in communities across Canada.
The company also works closely with Bullfrog Power, a renewable energy and sustainable solutions provider, to further reduce Staples’ environmental footprint. As the third-largest purchaser of renewable energy through Bullfrog, and its top retail partner, Staples powers all of its print services and production with clean energy nationwide. That means all individual or business printing documents, signs, photos, and more, are contributing to environmental sustainability.
Another customer-facing program, launched in 2004 in partnership with Call2Recycle Canada, has collected and safely recycled more than one million kilograms of used batteries as part of Staples’ regular in-store and delivery operations. Staples’ in-store recycling programs also cover electronics, writing instruments and coffee pods.
Staples believes the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainability resonates with potential employees.
“Many associates have been inspired by our efforts and our ‘planet passionate’ culture for over 20 years,” McDougall says. Authenticity, alignment with business goals and values, and transparent reporting are all key to Staples’ successful sustainability strategy.
This alignment has contributed to Staples long-term success, as employees are more driven to support the company’s objectives. Authentic leadership empowers employees to make a meaningful impact and actively participate in initiatives that drive sustainability.
Looking ahead, Lomack says, Staples remains dedicated to advancing its sustainability goals, ensuring a positive and lasting influence on the planet and the community.
