Walgreens' Earth Day features new, expanded eco-friendly offerings

Walgreens celebrated Earth Day by adding to its selection of eco-conscious products under two of its owned brands. The retailer has introduced eco-friendly toothbrushes and flossers under its Walgreens brand and expanded distribution of its Complete Home line of compostable tableware.

“Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, and our customers are looking for alternatives to disposable plastic products,” said Luke Rauch, Walgreens vice president of commercial strategy. “We are seeing a really great response from our customers, who want to reduce their environmental impact and are enthusiastic about eco-friendly options.”

The toothbrushes, sold in one- and two-packs, feature handles made of bamboo, which is biodegradable, and bristles made of BPA-free, charcoal-infused nylon. The flossers use a bio-based plastic alternative. 

“Walgreens continues to evaluate our owned brand product portfolio in search of eco-friendly solutions,” Rauch said. “We are focused on creating items that are not only great quality for our customers, but environmentally conscious as well.”

Regarding its Complete Home offerings, the company is responding to enthusiastic customer response in its test markets by expanding the products’ availability. The Complete Home line of compostable and eco-friendly tableware includes plates, hot and cold cups, and bowls — all of which will be available chain wide. In select markets, it will be offering cutlery and paper straws. As it expands this brand, Walgreens said it has removed Styrofoam from its own brand household essentials lines entirely. 

“We have taken a stand and we are eliminating polystyrene,” Rauch said. “The compostable tableware items resonate with our customers and allow them to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s important for us to stay on top of market trends, especially as they relate to the environment.”