T-Mobile Cuts Packaging Plastic Use in Half
The T-Mobile pay-as-you-go phone has new packaging that will cut plastic use by 45 percent, which also equates to a 40 percent reduction in transport materials.
The packaging is manufactured by Alloyd Brands, a division of Tegrant Corporation. The company specializes in packaging that reduces material use and weight, in addition to reusable packaging.
T-Mobile is using the Natralock® blister cards, which are a mixture of PET plastic and paperboard. They are designed to be difficult to tear apart but able to disassemble using scissors without injuring hands. The video below shows a demonstration.
The only issue not addressed with the reduction in plastic use is disposal. While the paperboard is recyclable with other mixed paper, many programs that accept PET plastic only take it in bottle form.
The cell phones themselves are recyclable, just like any other telephone. T-Mobile will accept phones, batteries, PDAs and accessories for recycling at any of its retail stores, with proceeds benefiting the T-Mobile Huddle Up program that connects children with mentors and after-school programs.
Eric
posted on July 29th, 2009 at 10:36 am
You’re kidding. That was simple to open and environmentally friendly? Not so much.
How about a simple paperboard box for the little gadget. Put a picture on the front and call it a day. I know it may no be as sexy, but come on. When are we gonna get this overpackaging thing under control?
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posted on July 30th, 2009 at 9:38 am
I agree with Eric – simple to open eh? Made for a funny video though. T-Mobile is certainly making a big step in the right direction as far as over packaging goes but there is certainly room for improvement. And while the components may be recyclable you are right many places won’t take that type of PET plastic, nor would the majority of consumers even think it was recyclable in the first place. Still, 45 percent reduction in plastic is still a good step.