Beijing, Sept. 25 -- WAL-MART Stores Inc said it plans to reduce its use of packaging 5 percent by 2013, saving the world's biggest retailer as much as US$ 3.4 billion.

Wal-Mart announced the plans at the Clinton Global Initiative, an event organized by former President Bill Clinton where companies have pledged almost US$ 7 billion this year to combat global warming. Bentonville, Arkansas-based Wal-Mart is aiming to limit trash in landfills and lower carbon dioxide.

The company said it would work with 60,000 suppliers to come up with ways to cut packaging, according to Bloomberg News. Last year Wal-Mart promised to reduce waste and energy use amid criticism from labor groups and politicians that its business practices contribute to congestion and pollution.

"Even small changes to packaging have a significant ripple effect," Chief Executive Officer H. Lee Scott said in a statement. "Improved packaging means less waste, fewer materials used, and savings on transportation, manufacturing, shipping and storage."

On November 1, the retailer will start gathering information from 2,000 manufacturers that make goods sold under Wal-Mart brands. The company will approach the rest of its suppliers in February.

The plan won't penalize manufacturers who don't make the targeted reductions, said Matt Kistler, a Sam's Club vice president.

(Source:Shanghai Daily, Lauren Coleman-Lochner)