The Home Depot has announced the complete removal of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from its private-brand packaging, with plans to transition to 100% compostable, recyclable, or recycled fibre packaging by 2027. This initiative targets packaging used in stores across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on reducing packaging waste and improving recyclability. Between 2017 and 2023, the retailer reduced over 6 million cubic feet of EPS and 39 million square feet of PVC. This effort is expected to lower shipping costs and enhance customer experiences.

The Home Depot’s goal is to ensure new fibre-based packaging, including paper, corrugate, and molded pulp, meets environmental sustainability standards while maintaining or exceeding current packaging performance. The company is collaborating with suppliers to adopt alternative materials and research recycling infrastructure in North America to support its new packaging strategies. These efforts align with sustainability initiatives to minimize environmental impact and innovate packaging processes.

The company also aims to meet consumers’ expectations with high-performance packaging that supports environmental responsibility. According to Candace Rodriguez, senior director of sustainability, embedding sustainability into The Home Depot's strategy is vital for long-term success. The retailer’s approach mirrors broader industry trends as more brands adopt right-sizing technologies and recyclable materials to reduce plastic waste and improve packaging efficiency.