Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., long known as a merchandising and product trend-setter, apparently wants to be an eco-trendsetter in private label packaging as well, a move one retail analyst is applauding.

 
The grocer is searching for BPA-free substitutes for it private label can linings and has said publicly that it’s having trouble finding such materials.

 
“You have to applaud Wegmans’ efforts,” says Natalie Berg, global research director for London-based retail consulting firm Planet Retail. “They have been among the more pro-active supermarkets to take matters into their own hands and address the BPA concern. However, until there is a change in legislation, finding alternatives to BPA will continue to be an expensive and challenging process.”


Wegman’s is currently looking at a variety of alternatives ranging from glass containers for its private label products to BPA-free thermal paper for its register receipt paper in an effort to be eco-friendly.


BPA is the short-hand designation for bisphenol A, a compound used in plastic manufacturing. In 2008, government reports began questioning its safety. Consumers started turning to baby bottles, water bottles and other containers that did not contain BPA as a result.


“Until the widespread scare a couple years ago, it was primarily the niche organic food suppliers using BPA-free packaging. Eden Foods for example has been BPA-free for over 10 years, but here’s the catch – their cans are 14 percent more expensive than traditional ones,” explains Berg.

 
"On the one hand, supermarkets need to respond to consumers’ safety concerns by offering an alternative to BPA,” she says. “Yet on the other, not all consumers are asking for it and many might question why their canned tomatoes are suddenly 10 percent more expensive. Without government intervention and proper consumer education, retailers’ efforts have the potential to backfire."