How Apple and Ahold Delhaize are ensuring the new materials economy is safe

"Working with the supply chain is critical to ensuring that hazardous substances do not get recycled back into the economy. Measurements and partnerships can help. Family-owned toy manufacturer Radio Flyer understands this. One of the key steps the company took to advance the use of safer materials was to measure its chemical footprint — which chemicals are of concern and the levels present in any of the company’s trikes, scooters, wagons and other products. This demanded significant communication with suppliers and their suppliers to find these answers to manufacture using chemicals and materials that can be safely "reincarnated" into future products.

Radio Flyer found that engaging deeply with its suppliers not only helped to advance its efforts, but also strengthened many supplier relationships. In addition, the Chemical Footprint Project protocol provided an important tool that helped to track, measure and report progress. Radio Flyer and Walmart have been participating in the Chemical Footprint Project and in 2020, Ahold Delhaize USA also plans to complete The Chemical Footprint Project survey."

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