Kroger

Supply Chain Disclosure

Kroger uses the WERCSmart platform to request suppliers’ information on hazardous ingredients in products it manages in its stores and distribution network. The scope of products included under Kroger’s WERCSmart initiative includes aerosols, batteries, electronics, flammable and combustibles, nonfood chemical-containing products, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements, personal care products, and lightbulbs. Kroger’s WERCSmart initiative encompasses all products, both private label and national brands, and the disclosure is required.

For its anticipated future RSL / monitoring list, the company is exploring the feasibility of using the UL PurView platform to gain more transparency.

The company also captures information about plastics in its product packaging through its supplier engagement and packaging impacts measurement, both for its voluntary sustainable packaging goals and in advance of legislative reporting requirements. The company also tracks material type from our suppliers, including the type of plastics in packaging.

Supplier Accountability

All of Kroger’s Our Brand apparel suppliers are required to sign an agreement that they are committed to comply with Kroger’s apparel RSL.

Kroger conducted RSL testing in early 2021 and 2022, and plans to resume RSL testing in the fall of 2024.

Consumer Disclosure

Kroger’s Simple Truth product line, which is free of various chemicals of concern, is marketed to Kroger customers online, in stores and special promotions.

Kroger otherwise does not appear to encourage or require suppliers to publicly disclose product ingredients online or on product packaging beyond what is required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cosmetics.

Restricted Substances List (RSL)/Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL)

Kroger has adopted the AFIRM RSL for its Owned Brand textiles which restricts PFAS, organotins, APEs, various flame retardants, phthalates, some azo dyes, and other chemicals of concern.

Kroger has also restricted BPA in 100% of its Our Brands canned food items and in 80% of Our Brands canned beverage items.

Chemicals and Plastics Reduction

In 2021 Kroger stated that it has eliminated the following: 1)phthalates, parabens, triclosan, triclocarban, and formaldehyde donors from private label baby products; 2) phthalates, triclosan, triclocarban, and formaldehyde donors from private label personal care and beauty products; 3) BPA liners from private label canned products and reduced BPA in beverage cans.

More recently, Kroger has made progress in reducing the use of PET plastic in owned brand packaging.