GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As a company with a strong commitment to sustaining our environment, Spartan Stores (Nasdaq: SPTN) is introducing new molded fiber packaging for its Spartan brand eggs, replacing Styrofoam cartons that are not biodegradable. The Company's 100 retail stores and the majority of its independent supplied stores now offer Spartan eggs in this 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable form of packaging.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090122/CLTH080 )

The recycling process of the packaging saves resources, creates less CO2 emission and helps solve the ever-growing waste disposal problem. Molded fiber protects the environment because it is produced from recycled paper -- old newsprint, corrugated boxes and a variety of other plant fibers. The cartons can easily be recycled along with the normal waste paper stream. The molded fiber packaging provides other benefits as well.

-- Cushions the egg and provides impact protection in transit and in storage. Plastic containers offer little impact protection.

-- Molded fiber egg cartons absorb moisture.

According to Alan Hartline, Executive Vice President Merchandising, "Spartan Stores is pleased to take a lead role in offering our Spartan brand eggs in molded fiber cartons that are much better for the environment and offer consumers a 'green' alternative to plastic. In fact, based on last year's sales of Spartan brand eggs, we anticipate that we will keep approximately 675,000 pounds of pulp (fiber) for the new packaging from the landfills and save consumers nearly $100,000 year by offering this environmentally friendly packaging. This packaging makes good business sense, and is good for the environment and consumers."

Molded paper pulp has been used for egg cartons and other packaging since the 1930s, but its use declined beginning in the 70s. In recent years, however, molded fiber has experienced a resurgence fueled by environmental concerns since it is a sustainable alternative to plastic and foam. It is also a cost-effective packaging solution.

Spartan Stores offers environmentally friendly packaging in other corporate brands packaging.

Spartan Stores is committed to taking our environment seriously and evaluating whether smart business practices are also smart environmental practices. The Company is doing our part to reduce energy consumption, working with manufacturers to use more recycled materials, with builders to construct LEED-certified standards. At each and every level of our Company, we are continually refining and improving the way we do business, always remaining mindful of our responsibility to social and environmental sustainability.

Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Spartan Stores, Inc., (Nasdaq: SPTN) is the nation's tenth largest grocery distributor with warehouse facilities in Grand Rapids and Plymouth, Michigan. The Company distributes more than 40,000 private-label and national brand products to approximately 350 independent grocery stores in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Spartan Stores also owns and operates 100 retail supermarkets in Michigan, including Family Fare Supermarkets, Glen's Markets, D&W Fresh Markets, Felpausch Food Centers, and VG's Food and Pharmacy.

SOURCE Spartan Stores