Best Practices

Plastic shopping bags: By transitioning to 75% recycled content plastic bags, the company saves 3.5M pounds of plastic annually. However, the life cycle of their bags doesn’t end there. Giant Eagle has created a full loop system with shopping bag recycling bins at nearly every location. Bags are collected and routed to Trex Company, Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Their NexTrex program takes the plastics we collect and turns them into eco-friendly outdoor products – all right in Virginia, USA.

Fully biodegradable Midori-bio bags: These bags, which hold all Market District and Nature’s Basket apples and pears, use an organic enzyme that breaks down plastic in an active landfill. Within 40 days in the landfill, +12% of the package will have decomposed, and within 2 to 5 years, the bag will be fully decomposed.

Improved chicken packaging program: Fresh chicken is the number one seller in Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket line of products. Historically, all meat trays were made of Styrofoam, so the company decided to focus on a high-selling product with a significant sustainable impact. In partnership with Fieldale Farms Corporation, Giant Eagle transitioned the packaging for its Nature’s Basket fresh chicken to fully recyclable trays. In addition, the chicken is delivered to stores in fully reusable plastic totes.

“I’m proud to say that we are projected to outperform our elimination of 80 million pounds of plastic by 2030. We are a part of the community; we aren't on the sidelines. It's important that we are doing our part and helping to make sure that our communities are sustainable as well. We have a lot of customers that are thinking about how sustainability impacts their food and are making choices for themselves and their families to consume healthier products.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

"Giant Eagle is the only retailer pioneering a Midori Bio package that goes beyond biodegradable. These bags bioassimilate—breaking down completely without leaving microplastics—offering innovation that’s unmatched in the marketplace. This reflects the shared commitment of Giant Eagle and CMI to lead the retail industry with meaningful, science-backed solutions—proving that true sustainability means making bold choices today to protect our planet for tomorrow.”

– Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, CMI Orchards

Plastic shopping bags: By transitioning to 75% recycled content plastic bags, the company saves 3.5M pounds of plastic annually. However, the life cycle of their bags doesn’t end there. Giant Eagle has created a full loop system with shopping bag recycling bins at nearly every location. Bags are collected and routed to Trex Company, Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Their NexTrex program takes the plastics we collect and turns them into eco-friendly outdoor products – all right in Virginia, USA.

Fully biodegradable Midori-bio bags: These bags, which hold all Market District and Nature’s Basket apples and pears, use an organic enzyme that breaks down plastic in an active landfill. Within 40 days in the landfill, +12% of the package will have decomposed, and within 2 to 5 years, the bag will be fully decomposed.

Improved chicken packaging program: Fresh chicken is the number one seller in Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket line of products. Historically, all meat trays were made of Styrofoam, so the company decided to focus on a high-selling product with a significant sustainable impact. In partnership with Fieldale Farms Corporation, Giant Eagle transitioned the packaging for its Nature’s Basket fresh chicken to fully recyclable trays. In addition, the chicken is delivered to stores in fully reusable plastic totes.

“I’m proud to say that we are projected to outperform our elimination of 80 million pounds of plastic by 2030. We are a part of the community; we aren't on the sidelines. It's important that we are doing our part and helping to make sure that our communities are sustainable as well. We have a lot of customers that are thinking about how sustainability impacts their food and are making choices for themselves and their families to consume healthier products.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

"Giant Eagle is the only retailer pioneering a Midori Bio package that goes beyond biodegradable. These bags bioassimilate—breaking down completely without leaving microplastics—offering innovation that’s unmatched in the marketplace. This reflects the shared commitment of Giant Eagle and CMI to lead the retail industry with meaningful, science-backed solutions—proving that true sustainability means making bold choices today to protect our planet for tomorrow.”

– Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, CMI Orchards

Plastic shopping bags: By transitioning to 75% recycled content plastic bags, the company saves 3.5M pounds of plastic annually. However, the life cycle of their bags doesn’t end there. Giant Eagle has created a full loop system with shopping bag recycling bins at nearly every location. Bags are collected and routed to Trex Company, Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Their NexTrex program takes the plastics we collect and turns them into eco-friendly outdoor products – all right in Virginia, USA.

Fully biodegradable Midori-bio bags: These bags, which hold all Market District and Nature’s Basket apples and pears, use an organic enzyme that breaks down plastic in an active landfill. Within 40 days in the landfill, +12% of the package will have decomposed, and within 2 to 5 years, the bag will be fully decomposed.

Improved chicken packaging program: Fresh chicken is the number one seller in Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket line of products. Historically, all meat trays were made of Styrofoam, so the company decided to focus on a high-selling product with a significant sustainable impact. In partnership with Fieldale Farms Corporation, Giant Eagle transitioned the packaging for its Nature’s Basket fresh chicken to fully recyclable trays. In addition, the chicken is delivered to stores in fully reusable plastic totes.

“I’m proud to say that we are projected to outperform our elimination of 80 million pounds of plastic by 2030. We are a part of the community; we aren't on the sidelines. It's important that we are doing our part and helping to make sure that our communities are sustainable as well. We have a lot of customers that are thinking about how sustainability impacts their food and are making choices for themselves and their families to consume healthier products.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

"Giant Eagle is the only retailer pioneering a Midori Bio package that goes beyond biodegradable. These bags bioassimilate—breaking down completely without leaving microplastics—offering innovation that’s unmatched in the marketplace. This reflects the shared commitment of Giant Eagle and CMI to lead the retail industry with meaningful, science-backed solutions—proving that true sustainability means making bold choices today to protect our planet for tomorrow.”

– Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, CMI Orchards

Plastic shopping bags: By transitioning to 75% recycled content plastic bags, the company saves 3.5M pounds of plastic annually. However, the life cycle of their bags doesn’t end there. Giant Eagle has created a full loop system with shopping bag recycling bins at nearly every location. Bags are collected and routed to Trex Company, Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Their NexTrex program takes the plastics we collect and turns them into eco-friendly outdoor products – all right in Virginia, USA.

Fully biodegradable Midori-bio bags: These bags, which hold all Market District and Nature’s Basket apples and pears, use an organic enzyme that breaks down plastic in an active landfill. Within 40 days in the landfill, +12% of the package will have decomposed, and within 2 to 5 years, the bag will be fully decomposed.

Improved chicken packaging program: Fresh chicken is the number one seller in Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket line of products. Historically, all meat trays were made of Styrofoam, so the company decided to focus on a high-selling product with a significant sustainable impact. In partnership with Fieldale Farms Corporation, Giant Eagle transitioned the packaging for its Nature’s Basket fresh chicken to fully recyclable trays. In addition, the chicken is delivered to stores in fully reusable plastic totes.

“I’m proud to say that we are projected to outperform our elimination of 80 million pounds of plastic by 2030. We are a part of the community; we aren't on the sidelines. It's important that we are doing our part and helping to make sure that our communities are sustainable as well. We have a lot of customers that are thinking about how sustainability impacts their food and are making choices for themselves and their families to consume healthier products.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

"Giant Eagle is the only retailer pioneering a Midori Bio package that goes beyond biodegradable. These bags bioassimilate—breaking down completely without leaving microplastics—offering innovation that’s unmatched in the marketplace. This reflects the shared commitment of Giant Eagle and CMI to lead the retail industry with meaningful, science-backed solutions—proving that true sustainability means making bold choices today to protect our planet for tomorrow.”

– Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, CMI Orchards

Plastic shopping bags: By transitioning to 75% recycled content plastic bags, the company saves 3.5M pounds of plastic annually. However, the life cycle of their bags doesn’t end there. Giant Eagle has created a full loop system with shopping bag recycling bins at nearly every location. Bags are collected and routed to Trex Company, Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Their NexTrex program takes the plastics we collect and turns them into eco-friendly outdoor products – all right in Virginia, USA.

Fully biodegradable Midori-bio bags: These bags, which hold all Market District and Nature’s Basket apples and pears, use an organic enzyme that breaks down plastic in an active landfill. Within 40 days in the landfill, +12% of the package will have decomposed, and within 2 to 5 years, the bag will be fully decomposed.

Improved chicken packaging program: Fresh chicken is the number one seller in Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket line of products. Historically, all meat trays were made of Styrofoam, so the company decided to focus on a high-selling product with a significant sustainable impact. In partnership with Fieldale Farms Corporation, Giant Eagle transitioned the packaging for its Nature’s Basket fresh chicken to fully recyclable trays. In addition, the chicken is delivered to stores in fully reusable plastic totes.

“I’m proud to say that we are projected to outperform our elimination of 80 million pounds of plastic by 2030. We are a part of the community; we aren't on the sidelines. It's important that we are doing our part and helping to make sure that our communities are sustainable as well. We have a lot of customers that are thinking about how sustainability impacts their food and are making choices for themselves and their families to consume healthier products.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

"Giant Eagle is the only retailer pioneering a Midori Bio package that goes beyond biodegradable. These bags bioassimilate—breaking down completely without leaving microplastics—offering innovation that’s unmatched in the marketplace. This reflects the shared commitment of Giant Eagle and CMI to lead the retail industry with meaningful, science-backed solutions—proving that true sustainability means making bold choices today to protect our planet for tomorrow.”

– Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, CMI Orchards

Plastic shopping bags: By transitioning to 75% recycled content plastic bags, the company saves 3.5M pounds of plastic annually. However, the life cycle of their bags doesn’t end there. Giant Eagle has created a full loop system with shopping bag recycling bins at nearly every location. Bags are collected and routed to Trex Company, Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Their NexTrex program takes the plastics we collect and turns them into eco-friendly outdoor products – all right in Virginia, USA.

Fully biodegradable Midori-bio bags: These bags, which hold all Market District and Nature’s Basket apples and pears, use an organic enzyme that breaks down plastic in an active landfill. Within 40 days in the landfill, +12% of the package will have decomposed, and within 2 to 5 years, the bag will be fully decomposed.

Improved chicken packaging program: Fresh chicken is the number one seller in Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket line of products. Historically, all meat trays were made of Styrofoam, so the company decided to focus on a high-selling product with a significant sustainable impact. In partnership with Fieldale Farms Corporation, Giant Eagle transitioned the packaging for its Nature’s Basket fresh chicken to fully recyclable trays. In addition, the chicken is delivered to stores in fully reusable plastic totes.

“I’m proud to say that we are projected to outperform our elimination of 80 million pounds of plastic by 2030. We are a part of the community; we aren't on the sidelines. It's important that we are doing our part and helping to make sure that our communities are sustainable as well. We have a lot of customers that are thinking about how sustainability impacts their food and are making choices for themselves and their families to consume healthier products.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

"Giant Eagle is the only retailer pioneering a Midori Bio package that goes beyond biodegradable. These bags bioassimilate—breaking down completely without leaving microplastics—offering innovation that’s unmatched in the marketplace. This reflects the shared commitment of Giant Eagle and CMI to lead the retail industry with meaningful, science-backed solutions—proving that true sustainability means making bold choices today to protect our planet for tomorrow.”

– Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, CMI Orchards

Plastic shopping bags: By transitioning to 75% recycled content plastic bags, the company saves 3.5M pounds of plastic annually. However, the life cycle of their bags doesn’t end there. Giant Eagle has created a full loop system with shopping bag recycling bins at nearly every location. Bags are collected and routed to Trex Company, Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Their NexTrex program takes the plastics we collect and turns them into eco-friendly outdoor products – all right in Virginia, USA.

Fully biodegradable Midori-bio bags: These bags, which hold all Market District and Nature’s Basket apples and pears, use an organic enzyme that breaks down plastic in an active landfill. Within 40 days in the landfill, +12% of the package will have decomposed, and within 2 to 5 years, the bag will be fully decomposed.

Improved chicken packaging program: Fresh chicken is the number one seller in Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket line of products. Historically, all meat trays were made of Styrofoam, so the company decided to focus on a high-selling product with a significant sustainable impact. In partnership with Fieldale Farms Corporation, Giant Eagle transitioned the packaging for its Nature’s Basket fresh chicken to fully recyclable trays. In addition, the chicken is delivered to stores in fully reusable plastic totes.

“I’m proud to say that we are projected to outperform our elimination of 80 million pounds of plastic by 2030. We are a part of the community; we aren't on the sidelines. It's important that we are doing our part and helping to make sure that our communities are sustainable as well. We have a lot of customers that are thinking about how sustainability impacts their food and are making choices for themselves and their families to consume healthier products.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

"Giant Eagle is the only retailer pioneering a Midori Bio package that goes beyond biodegradable. These bags bioassimilate—breaking down completely without leaving microplastics—offering innovation that’s unmatched in the marketplace. This reflects the shared commitment of Giant Eagle and CMI to lead the retail industry with meaningful, science-backed solutions—proving that true sustainability means making bold choices today to protect our planet for tomorrow.”

– Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, CMI Orchards

Plastic shopping bags: By transitioning to 75% recycled content plastic bags, the company saves 3.5M pounds of plastic annually. However, the life cycle of their bags doesn’t end there. Giant Eagle has created a full loop system with shopping bag recycling bins at nearly every location. Bags are collected and routed to Trex Company, Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Their NexTrex program takes the plastics we collect and turns them into eco-friendly outdoor products – all right in Virginia, USA.

Fully biodegradable Midori-bio bags: These bags, which hold all Market District and Nature’s Basket apples and pears, use an organic enzyme that breaks down plastic in an active landfill. Within 40 days in the landfill, +12% of the package will have decomposed, and within 2 to 5 years, the bag will be fully decomposed.

Improved chicken packaging program: Fresh chicken is the number one seller in Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket line of products. Historically, all meat trays were made of Styrofoam, so the company decided to focus on a high-selling product with a significant sustainable impact. In partnership with Fieldale Farms Corporation, Giant Eagle transitioned the packaging for its Nature’s Basket fresh chicken to fully recyclable trays. In addition, the chicken is delivered to stores in fully reusable plastic totes.

“I’m proud to say that we are projected to outperform our elimination of 80 million pounds of plastic by 2030. We are a part of the community; we aren't on the sidelines. It's important that we are doing our part and helping to make sure that our communities are sustainable as well. We have a lot of customers that are thinking about how sustainability impacts their food and are making choices for themselves and their families to consume healthier products.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

"Giant Eagle is the only retailer pioneering a Midori Bio package that goes beyond biodegradable. These bags bioassimilate—breaking down completely without leaving microplastics—offering innovation that’s unmatched in the marketplace. This reflects the shared commitment of Giant Eagle and CMI to lead the retail industry with meaningful, science-backed solutions—proving that true sustainability means making bold choices today to protect our planet for tomorrow.”

– Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, CMI Orchards

Plastic shopping bags: By transitioning to 75% recycled content plastic bags, the company saves 3.5M pounds of plastic annually. However, the life cycle of their bags doesn’t end there. Giant Eagle has created a full loop system with shopping bag recycling bins at nearly every location. Bags are collected and routed to Trex Company, Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Their NexTrex program takes the plastics we collect and turns them into eco-friendly outdoor products – all right in Virginia, USA.

Fully biodegradable Midori-bio bags: These bags, which hold all Market District and Nature’s Basket apples and pears, use an organic enzyme that breaks down plastic in an active landfill. Within 40 days in the landfill, +12% of the package will have decomposed, and within 2 to 5 years, the bag will be fully decomposed.

Improved chicken packaging program: Fresh chicken is the number one seller in Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket line of products. Historically, all meat trays were made of Styrofoam, so the company decided to focus on a high-selling product with a significant sustainable impact. In partnership with Fieldale Farms Corporation, Giant Eagle transitioned the packaging for its Nature’s Basket fresh chicken to fully recyclable trays. In addition, the chicken is delivered to stores in fully reusable plastic totes.

“I’m proud to say that we are projected to outperform our elimination of 80 million pounds of plastic by 2030. We are a part of the community; we aren't on the sidelines. It's important that we are doing our part and helping to make sure that our communities are sustainable as well. We have a lot of customers that are thinking about how sustainability impacts their food and are making choices for themselves and their families to consume healthier products.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

"Giant Eagle is the only retailer pioneering a Midori Bio package that goes beyond biodegradable. These bags bioassimilate—breaking down completely without leaving microplastics—offering innovation that’s unmatched in the marketplace. This reflects the shared commitment of Giant Eagle and CMI to lead the retail industry with meaningful, science-backed solutions—proving that true sustainability means making bold choices today to protect our planet for tomorrow.”

– Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, CMI Orchards

Plastic shopping bags: By transitioning to 75% recycled content plastic bags, the company saves 3.5M pounds of plastic annually. However, the life cycle of their bags doesn’t end there. Giant Eagle has created a full loop system with shopping bag recycling bins at nearly every location. Bags are collected and routed to Trex Company, Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Their NexTrex program takes the plastics we collect and turns them into eco-friendly outdoor products – all right in Virginia, USA.

Fully biodegradable Midori-bio bags: These bags, which hold all Market District and Nature’s Basket apples and pears, use an organic enzyme that breaks down plastic in an active landfill. Within 40 days in the landfill, +12% of the package will have decomposed, and within 2 to 5 years, the bag will be fully decomposed.

Improved chicken packaging program: Fresh chicken is the number one seller in Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket line of products. Historically, all meat trays were made of Styrofoam, so the company decided to focus on a high-selling product with a significant sustainable impact. In partnership with Fieldale Farms Corporation, Giant Eagle transitioned the packaging for its Nature’s Basket fresh chicken to fully recyclable trays. In addition, the chicken is delivered to stores in fully reusable plastic totes.

“I’m proud to say that we are projected to outperform our elimination of 80 million pounds of plastic by 2030. We are a part of the community; we aren't on the sidelines. It's important that we are doing our part and helping to make sure that our communities are sustainable as well. We have a lot of customers that are thinking about how sustainability impacts their food and are making choices for themselves and their families to consume healthier products.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

"Giant Eagle is the only retailer pioneering a Midori Bio package that goes beyond biodegradable. These bags bioassimilate—breaking down completely without leaving microplastics—offering innovation that’s unmatched in the marketplace. This reflects the shared commitment of Giant Eagle and CMI to lead the retail industry with meaningful, science-backed solutions—proving that true sustainability means making bold choices today to protect our planet for tomorrow.”

– Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, CMI Orchards