THE ODP CORPORATION’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

A triple bottom approach that brings results.

Today, more than ever, many of us have become intentional about engaging in work that is meaningful and will make a positive impact on the world. Equally important is society’s push for businesses or enterprises that have minimal negative impact or potentially a positive effect on the global or local environment, community, society, or economy. The ODP Corporation, a leading provider of business services and supplies, products, and technology solutions, understands this need all too well, which is why it created a corporate sustainability program with a ‘triple bottom line’ approach as the framework for its sustainability initiatives: environmental, social and governance (ESG).

Customers Are the Driving Force

Sustainability is not a new concept for The ODP Corporation (parent company to Office Depot and OfficeMax). Launching its program in 2004, The ODP Corporation believes sustainability plays an essential role in the success of the company, its industry, and related communities, now and for future generations. The foundation was established with a variety of programs and initiatives in place to support the commitment to be a responsible corporation and help suppliers and customers do the same. “We are a distributor of a lot of different products, so we’re able to help improve sustainable purchasing by our customers while reducing environmental impact from products. Through our programs, reporting, and resources, we’re able to help customers meet their sustainability goals,” says Senior Manager of Sustainable Solutions Zulema Ledesma. “We’re walking on this journey together as we also focus on operations and our internal footprint.”

The Three Pillars

Environmental: The ODP Corporation’s commitment to the planet is evident in its environmental initiatives which include a proprietary GreenerOffice™ Rating System, GreenerOffice™ Delivery Service, Greener Purchasing Program, and chemical and paper policies, among others, to help limit waste, conserve energy, encourage recycling and minimize use of harmful chemicals. To engage employees in this endeavor, the company encouraged associates to participate during Earth Month in the Drawdown EcoChallenge, a customizable and solutions-oriented engagement program focused on reducing carbon in the atmosphere. The challenge provides tools and inspiration to turn intention into action while connecting the dots between individual actions, impact, and the will to create significant change. The Office Depot team placed fourth in the competition out of 165 organizations and its ‘Women of Color’ Associate Resource Group Team placed seventh out of 565 teams globally.

Social: The ODP Corporation recognizes the value of diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences of its associates, suppliers, and customers. In 2018, it launched #DepotDifference, a community investment program focused on empowering education, championing entrepreneurship, and strengthening communities through a variety of volunteer and philanthropic initiatives. The company also maintains a supplier diversity program that helps to identify and deliver innovative, quality products and services across all business channels, while enhancing the development and opportunities for its vast network of diverse suppliers.

Governance: The ODP Corporation abides by a Code of Ethical Behavior and a commitment to a 5C Culture (Customer, Commitment, Change, Caring, Creativity), which continues to drive its associates’ actions and guide the company’s strategic direction. It also serves as a moral compass for ethical decision-making and enforcing the commitment to doing what’s right.

2021 Sustainability Report

The ODP Corporation released its 2021 sustainability report in July, which included the usual focus on ESG practices and goals, emerging trends, and performance, but also added a special supplement that focuses on COVID relief and associate well-being. By developing a reporting and escalation process in March 2020 for COVID-19 related circumstances, the company was able to effectively support its teams during a rapidly evolving situation. Since the beginning of the pandemic, The ODP Corporation provided $10 million of in-kind products to community organizations, over $2 million toward COVID-19 relief including contributions to Feeding America, Canadian Red Cross and Foodbanks Canada, and $15,000 worth of personal protective equipment to support healthcare and community workers at the frontline in Canada.

The ODP Corporation surpassed its goals in several areas including:

■ 44% decrease in facility energy consumption since 2016 (2021 goal – 10%)

■ Miles per gallon increased to 18% in private fleet (2021 goal – 15%)

■ 14 % improvement in cube utilization since 2018 (2021 goal – 10%)

Other key findings include:

Community Investment:

■ 560 Community partners – up from 125 in 2019

■ 610 Community projects – up 100 from 2019

Supporting Schools:

■ Over $3.5 million in educational supplies donated through Start Proud!

■ $500,000 funded to MLK Day Donation Drive and Essay Contest

■ $200,000 to select Boys & Girls Clubs and other youth-focused nonprofit organizations to help slow the ‘summer slide’

Suppliers:

■ Over $270 million in spend and sales with diverse businesses

■ More than 300 diverse suppliers

■ 1,700 featured items in the Office Depot Diverse Supplier Catalog

While an abundance of great work has already been done at The ODP Corporation, Ledesma is excited about what’s on the horizon. “We’ve come a long way, but we have so much more to go. We want to continue to be leaders in this space and I believe 2022 is going to be a year where we’re able to announce more aggressive goals and targets, especially around reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions.”