FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Feb 09, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., announced today its new Sustainable Earth by Staples(TM) janitorial paper products and compostable kitchen items including cups, plates, and cutlery. Staples developed these eco-preferable alternatives by using renewable resources, such as plant-based plastics and sugarcane, as well as recycled fiber and post-consumer content. By using innovative materials, these products have earned leading environmental certifications byGreen Seal and Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). The new products offer a solution to help businesses cost-efficiently reach their green procurement goals.

Businesses are demanding quality products that are better for the environment. Staples makes it easy for businesses to order the products they need to meet their sustainability goals. By purchasing through either Staples Advantage or www.staples.com, businesses are reducing costs and improving operational efficiencies.

"Organizations are looking for simple ways to make their offices more sustainable," said Lisa Hamblet, vice president for the facility solutions and services business of Staples Advantage. "With our Sustainable Earth by Staples line, companies now have the ability to conveniently and cost-effectively purchase environmentally-preferable kitchen and paper products that perform as well as traditional alternatives, yet have less of an impact on the environment. We believe small and easy changes can add up to a better environmental impact for businesses and the planet."

Sustainable Earth by Staples(TM) Compostable Kitchen Products

The new Staples kitchen product line is Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)-certified and is an environmentally-preferable alternative to conventional paper and plastic cups, plates, bowls and cutlery without sacrificing quality or superior performance. Products with the BPI Compostable Logo have met American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standards for biodegradable products and have no detrimental impact on composting, agriculture or soil.

Highlights of the Sustainable Earth by Staples(TM) kitchen products include:

• Compostable cups and lids - Created for both hot and cold beverages, these cups and lids are made from corn-based materials and all components are 100 percent compostable.
• Compostable cutlery - These durable forks, knives and spoons, which complement the Sustainable Earth compostable plates and bowls previously available, are made from sugar cane and are microwave-safe.

Sustainable Earth by Staples(TM) Janitorial Paper Products

The new janitorial paper products are made from 100 percent recycled fiber, with a minimum of 40 percent post consumer content. Many of these products are also certified by Green Seal, a non-profit, third-party certification organization that certifies that these products contain 100 percent recovered paper fiber, the minimum percentage of post-consumer material claimed, and meet the Green Seal(TM) environmental standard for bleaching, packaging and removal of ink.

The Sustainable Earth by Staples(TM) janitorial paper products include:

• Napkins - These offer a minimum of 60 percent post consumer recycled content and are whitened without chlorine bleach.
• Hard roll paper towels - Designed for drying hands or cleaning messes, these towels offer a minimum of 80 percent post consumer recycled content.
• Bath tissues, jumbo roll bath tissues and facial tissues - No dyes or fragrances have been added to these tissues. The bath tissues are also Green Seal certified.

"We know that small businesses are looking for ways to be more sustainable and not break the bank," said Anabela Perozek, vice president of marketing for Staples.com. "With our new janitorial paper products and compostable kitchen items, we're making it easier for businesses to improve the sustainability of their office on a budget."

Staples makes it easy for businesses of all sizes to keep offices stocked with kitchen and cleaning essentials. From environmentally-preferable kitchen products to large-scale cleaning chemicals, Staples has solutions for companies in locations nationwide through Staples Advantage and Staples.com.

About Staples Advantage

Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS), serves organizations of 20 or more employees up to the Fortune 1000, including global businesses, local, state and federal government, healthcare organizations and educational institutions. The Staples Advantage one source solution includes comprehensive products and services from office supplies, technology and printing to promotional products, furniture and facility supplies. Dedicated to providing organizations with greater cost savings and improved ordering efficiencies, Staples Advantage provides a customized level of account support and best-in-class customer service. More information is available at www.staplesadvantage.com.

About Staples

Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2009 sales of $24 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.

SOURCE: Staples, Inc.

Staples, Inc.
Nina Akerley, 508-253-1078
nina.akerley@staples.com
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Davies Murphy Group, Inc.
Melissa Lane, 781-418-2414
sfs@daviesmurphy.com