DIPRA Applauds Wal-Mart's Advocacy for Sustainable Packaging

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. advises suppliers to avoid PVC

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Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA)

Nov 11, 2016, 02:58 ET

GOLDEN, Colo., Nov. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) issued the following statement from President Jon R. Runge commending Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s commitment to sustainability efforts. The company recently unveiled a Sustainable Packaging Playbook for its suppliers.

"Wal-Mart's commitment to sustainable products and packaging sets a remarkable standard for industries. The company's guidelines are a strong step in the right direction, and we hope their focus extends well beyond supplier packaging. Consumers deserve to know from what materials their products are made, and what impact those materials have on the environment.

"Many may be surprised to learn that the packaging that Wal-Mart advises suppliers to avoid – PVC – is the same kind of material used in plastic pipes that can convey drinking water. If one of the world's largest retailers is encouraging its suppliers to avoid use of PVC plastic to improve environmental stewardship, we should encourage policymakers to similarly review the use of a PVC pipe material that is documented to be hazardous in its production and disposal. When making important decisions on the right materials to use in replacing our aging water infrastructure, the safe and reliable choice is Ductile Iron Pipe, which uses up to 98 percent recycled content, and is itself a 100 percent recyclable material."

About the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association
Since 1915, the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) has provided accurate and essential engineering information about cast iron, and now Ductile Iron Pipe, to utility officials and consulting engineers. The association provides research, publications and personal regional engineer services, as well as representation on standards-making committees. While DIPRA member companies have different names and locations, they share a common commitment to produce and deliver the finest quality water and wastewater pipe material in the world, Ductile Iron Pipe, and at the greatest possible value to its purchasers.

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SOURCE Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA)