Retailer Guide | CVS
GUIDE TO CVS PACKAGING AND SUSTAINABILITY REQUIREMENTS
CVS is dedicated to sustainability efforts throughout its operations, including rethinking packaging to reduce waste.
Our guide is here to help set your brand up for success when working with CVS. In this guide, you’ll find an overview of CVS’s sustainable packaging requirements, overall impact goals, tips for updating your packaging, and more.
For individual guidance about creating sustainable packaging that stands out at CVS, contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
Table of Contents
CVS Sustainability Goals
CVS has been engaged in increased sustainability efforts over the past few years. They’ve reduced paper use, energy consumption, and plastic waste through their programs.
Their main sustainability goals include:
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Transitioning all Store Brands' packaging to 100% reusable, recyclable, compostable, or returnable by 2030
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Reduce plastic use in Store Brand Packaging by 50% by 2020
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Ensure all Store Brand paper-based packaging is from recycled or sustainably sourced content by 2025
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Implement How2Recycle® labeling for 100% of Store Brand packaging by 2025
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Reduce overall environmental impact by 50% by 2030
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Pilot an aluminum prescription bottle program to reduce plastic waste
Though many of their specific targets apply to Store Brands, vendors can improve their relationship with CVS by working toward similar sustainability goals.
How EcoEnclose Helps Brands Working With CVS
EcoEnclose is well-positioned to help brands design packaging to fit CVS’s vendor requirements and sustainability goals. Reach out to us if you’d like support:
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Design packaging with 100% reusable, recyclable, compostable, or returnable materials
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Eliminate single-use virgin plastic in secondary packaging
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Transition recycled, responsibly sourced paper packaging
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Create packaging that eliminates excess waste
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Add clear How2Recycle® labeling for your packaging
About CVS
CVS was founded in 1963 as the “Consumer Value Store.” Today, CVS is the largest pharmacy chain in the United States, with over 9,600 locations.
Products sold at CVS include:
- Prescription drugs
- Over-the-counter drugs
- Beauty products
- Cosmetics
- Other general merchandise
CVS also provides healthcare services through MinuteClinic medical clinics, mainly in CVS stores.
If your brand sells wellness, beauty, cosmetic, or other products that align with CVS’s offerings, selling with them can give you access to a well-established network of locations nationwide.
Whether working with CVS or aiming to do so, keep reading for tips on designing packaging that can help you land the deal and elevate your shelf presence and promotion with the retailer.
Deeper Dive: CVS Sustainability Goals
Over the past few years, CVS has achieved sustainability milestones such as:
- Becoming one of the first seven companies in the world to have a net zero target validated by the SBTi Net-Zero Standard
- Being recognized on CDP’s Climate A-List as a Supplier Engagement Leader for the third year in a row
- Piloting a Beyond the Bag Initiative program and reusing more than 2,000 bags
- Improving energy efficiency with significant upgrades in stores around the country
- Implementing How2Recycle® labeling on 63% of store brand SKUs
- Diverting 50% of total waste from landfills in 2023
CVS’s Healthy 2030 strategy encompasses its goals to create a more equitable healthcare system and sustainable future for all. They release annual reports detailing their progress toward this ultimate vision.
CVS strives to uphold four core tenets of social responsibility:
CVS Four Core Tenents of Social Responsibility
Healthy People
CVS is working to deliver healthcare experiences that create more equitable, affordable, and accessible care.
Current efforts include offering more avenues for customers to seek the care they need, creating cost-effective and flexible support tools, and working to provide solutions that fit the needs of individual communities and patients.
Healthy Community
CVS is making philanthropic and business investments to improve the health of the communities where they live and work.
Current efforts include intensive care in high-need Health Zones, financial aid for needy families, disaster relief supplies and donations, and volunteer work by CVS team members.
Healthy Business
CVS is working to ensure that the CVS Health workforce and suppliers mirror the people they serve.
Current efforts include focusing on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives, considering the needs of all stakeholders, and conducting business with integrity and transparency.
Healthy Planet
Source: CVS
CVS is working to improve the planet's health — and the lives of the people who live on it — by advancing its sustainability commitments and addressing the environmental factors that contribute to health inequities.
Current efforts include goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, reduce overall environmental impact by at least 50% by 2030, and report under the leading environmental, social, and governance frameworks.
CVS is also striving to reduce the use of plastic materials and ensure recyclability for all product packaging in their Store Brands. They joined forces with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2021 for a complete audit of all their plastic packaging.
Another important goal is reducing paper usage by optimizing digital receipts and documents for their pharmacies. In 2023, they eliminated nearly 500 million receipts and 36,000+ paper invoices.
CVS is working with suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging materials to minimize waste across its supply chain.
Here are some of their specific requirements for product and secondary packaging.
Packaging Requirements for CVS Store Brands
In addition to conducting a plastic audit through the World Wildlife Fund, CVS joined the Resource: Plastic initiative in 2022 as a Principal Retail Member to continue working toward high standards on plastic use in the retail industry.
CVS has set the below high-sustainability targets for its Store Brands and exclusive retail brands, and it continues to report on these efforts through its annual sustainability reports.
| Target 1 | Ensure all packaging for Store Brands products is 100% reusable, recyclable, compostable, or can be returned to CVS for proper disposal at the end of life by 2030. |
| Target 2 | Partner with suppliers to ensure all packaging meets basic recyclability standards or can be composted or reused. Develop in-store recycling programs to meet specific needs. |
| Target 3 | Reduce plastic use in operations by 50% by 2030. |
| Target 4 | Reduce single-use virgin plastic in Store Brand packaging by 50% by 2030. |
| Target 5 | Replace virgin plastic with other packaging materials such as PCR, bio-based, or non-plastic materials whenever possible. |
| Target 6 | Ensure all Store Brand paper-based packaging is from recycled or certified sustainably sourced content by 2025. |
| Target 7 | Implement How2Recycle® labeling for 100% of Store Brand packaging by 2025. |
| Target 8 | Redesign packaging when necessary to reduce unnecessary waste. |
Packaging Requirements for CVS Suppliers
Source: CVS
Unlike its goals for Store Brands, CVS has yet to publish many specific sustainable packaging targets or requirements for suppliers.
One of CVS’s key initiatives is working with suppliers to create a more transparent, sustainable supply chain. As such, suppliers who prioritize sustainability are more likely to have an opportunity to work with the company.
Using their Store Brands requirements as a framework, suppliers can work to align with CVS’s sustainability goals by:
| Target 1 | Reducing overall plastic use whenever possible. CVS continues reducing plastic in its brands and operations, encouraging suppliers to do the same. Brands can start by auditing their packaging to assess their current plastic use and identify ways to reduce it. |
| Target 2 | Replacing virgin plastic with more sustainable materials. In addition to reducing plastic use, paying particular attention to virgin plastic will help brands stand out to CVS. Some alternative materials include recycled plastic, sustainably sourced paper, or alternative fibers. We can help you identify the best alternative to virgin plastic that meets your functional needs. |
| Target 3 | Designing packaging for recycling, composting, or take-back programs. CVS strives to keep packaging out of landfills and improve packaging circularity. Designing packaging for a responsible end-of-life solution aligns with this target. Examples include designing packaging commonly accepted through curbside programs (such as paper, aluminum, or HDPE), or collection programs (such as thin films). Packaging that is difficult to recycle or compost should be avoided. |
| Target 4 | Sourcing paper packaging elements from recycled materials or certified sustainable forests. One common pitfall brands can fall into is replacing virgin plastic with virgin paper, which, in reality, may create more harm than good. Instead, brands should seek to maximize recycled paper content whenever possible. When virgin paper content is necessary, certifications such as FSC can help ensure the fiber is sourced responsibly. |
| Target 5 | Choosing packaging that eliminates unnecessary packaging waste. Removing unneeded packaging is one of the simplest ways to reduce landfill waste. Some ways to achieve this goal include streamlining packaging design, eliminating unnecessary packaging elements, downgauging materials, and right-sizing packaging. |
| Target 6 | Implementing clear product and end-of-life labeling. CVS wants to help consumers choose healthier products for themselves and the planet. Ensuring all product labeling is clear and accurate will help brands align with CVS’s values. One way to improve labeling transparency is through How2Recycle, which offers verified, standardized instructions for disposing of packaging. |
In addition to working to comply with CVS’s sustainable packaging guidelines, we encourage brands to consider:
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Maximizing recycled content across all materials, especially post-consumer content
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Choosing responsibly sourced and/or certified Virgin inputs when required
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Designing for ready recyclability, including curbside and thin film packaging
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Avoiding “compostable” plastic packaging that is rarely environmentally preferable
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Evaluating opportunities for reusable packaging thoughtfully
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Reducing waste through swaps like zero waste label release liners
- Piloting innovative materials like Black Algae Ink or Seaweed Film Windows
Frequently Asked Questions About CVS
What are CVS’s sustainable packaging requirements?
CVS does not have many specific requirements or targets for supplier brands, but potential suppliers can use their overall sustainability goals as a blueprint for more sustainable packaging. These goals include:
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Reducing plastic use and virgin plastic
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Sourcing paper responsibly, such as recycled or certified content
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Choosing packaging that reduces waste
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Implementing clear labeling practices
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Designing packaging for recycling, composting, or reuse
In addition to sustainable packaging practices, suppliers should ensure their product packaging meets all relevant quality and pharmaceutical standards upheld by CVS.
Has CVS banned any packaging materials?
CVS has not currently banned any packaging materials. However, brands can align with the company’s vision for healthy people and a healthy planet by avoiding materials that are difficult to recycle, contain chemicals of concern, or have a negative environmental impact.
Does CVS require third-party certifications?
CVS does not currently require certifications for packaging but encourages brands to implement relevant certifications, such as How2Recycle or FSC®.
How can I start selling products at CVS?
To submit products for selling at CVS, brands should create an account on CVS’s Range Me platform and enter all relevant information. After this, a merchandising contact will reach out to continue the process.
EcoEnclose Is Ready To Help Your Brand
Are you currently working with CVS or looking to have your brand carried in their stores?
EcoEnclose is ready to help you develop packaging solutions that align with CVS’s sustainability goals and help you put your best foot forward.
Here are specific ways we’ve helped supplier brands for CVS:
Efficient Packaging Design
You can work to meet CVS’s overall goal to reduce packaging waste by choosing an efficient packaging design. EcoEnclose works with your brand and analyzes your product line to find areas where you can reduce packaging waste and choose the best size, shape, and type.
Virgin Plastic Alternatives
As CVS prioritizes reducing virgin plastic use, EcoEnclose can help your brand transition to alternatives such as recycled content, aluminum, or paper.
End Of Life Design
Since CVS works to make all Store Brand packaging recyclable, compostable, or reusable, EcoEnclose can help you assess your packaging’s lifecycle and choose alternatives for responsible disposal after use.
How2Recycle® Labeling
CVS aims to have 100% of its private brands feature H2R labeling, and your brand can also benefit from implementing this labeling. EcoEnclose helps brands navigate the How2Recycle® request and labeling process.
Our unique Sustainable Packaging Framework helps streamline decision-making, and our rigorous standards for all products ensure your packaging meets and exceeds the sustainability standards set by Costco. We leverage our experience working with hundreds of brands, from the smallest startups to the most robust enterprise brands, to help you create a working packaging strategy.
To get started, request free samples, explore our extensive resource library, or get in touch for a free consultation.
About EcoEnclose
EcoEnclose is the leading sustainable packaging company that provides eco-packaging solutions to the world’s most forward-thinking brands.
We develop diverse, sustainable packaging solutions that meet our rigorous research-based standards and customers’ goals. We drive innovative packaging materials to market and consistently improve the circularity of existing solutions.