Wal-Mart phases out unconcentrated detergent

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores announced it achieved its goal to offer only concentrated liquid laundry detergent in all of its U.S. and Canadian stores. The commitment was originally made by Lee Scott, president and ceo of Wal-Mart Stores, at the Clinton Global Initiative on Sept. 26, 2007.

"This commitment moves us closer to our goal to drive waste out of our supply chain while continuing to offer our customers affordable, environmentally friendly products," said Matt Kistler, Wal-Mart's senior vp of sustainability. "The innovative thinking and strategic collaboration with our suppliers was key to making this project and commitment a success for our customers, our suppliers and our business."

Wal-Mart said that by only selling concentrated liquid laundry detergent, over the next three years it expects to save more than 400 million gallons of water and more than 95 million pounds of plastic resin.

Since October 2007, Wal-Mart has been gradually phasing-out larger bottles of detergent and filling the shelf space with compact versions. The transition occurred in waves starting in the Southern region with Florida and Texas and finishing in the Northeast this week with New York and Massachusetts. Wal-Mart worked with each of its leading detergent manufacturers to bring concentrated versions of brand favorites to market, including Unilever, Proctor & Gamble, Dial, Huish, and Church & Dwight. Through the commitment, Wal-Mart expects to sell more than 800 million units of concentrated detergent over the next three years.