Sprint Cuts Packaging, Saves $2.1M
Recognized as a leader among green corporations, Sprint recently released a new line of sustainable packaging for select wireless accessories.
Starting this month, accessories sold at retail stores and online will be in packaged with 20 and 40 percent less material. The packaging shell is now made from PET, a plastic that’s easier to recycle than its predecessor, PVC.
Soy and vegetable inks have replaced petroleum-based ink, and the paperboard is Forest Stewardship Council certified,
Sprint's new packaging is made with 20 to 40 percent less materials. Photo: Sprint
Additionally, biodegradable air pillows will be used for shipping accessories.
The move is expected to save 647 tons of waste annually and reduce accessory packaging costs by 35 percent, resulting in approximately $2.1 million in annualized savings for Sprint.
Sprint recently came in at No. 15 on Newsweek’s environmental ranking of America’s 500 largest corporations. The company is expanding its initiatives and focus to reduce their carbon footprint. One example is their commitment to reduce paper usage by 30 percent in the next five years.
“Being more sustainable is smart business. We pride ourselves on being the leader in the wireless industry,” said Alex Hahn, communications manager of environment and sustainability for Sprint.
Hahn said the response to the company’s eco-friendly products has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Not only are we focusing on greening our internal operations, but we are helping our customers live more eco-friendly lifestyles,” he said.
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JC
posted on November 13th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Great article, thanks for sharing Lauren. I bet now that a universal charger initiative is rolling out for 2010, big companies will save on not having to have so many different phone chargers.
An idea that came to mind upon reading this article, was that companies could do great for the environment and their bottom line if instead of including a very thick owners manual in three to five languages they have a viewable one online. I can’t imagine how much paper is wasted that way along with the cost on the bottom line by including thick owners manuals.
I live here in Austin and luckily we are a very eco-friendly city. There are companies sprouting up all over the city that focus on sustainability and social innovation.
Being one of the social innovation stewards here in Austin, I learn about great things companies are doing to make the world a better place.
Recently, a company here in Austin launched http://www.sellphoneforcash.com where people can sell their old cell phones.
I wish I would have saved an article I read awhile back that was about a 100% bio-degradeable phone, have you heard about that? I have tried looking for it again and have not been able to find it again. Maybe it was a fake article but that would be awesome if they could. Although, I dont know how they would do that with all the different metals and circuitry in a cell phone.
Keep up the great work.
Sprint Is Saving Waste | Lorenzo Commons
posted on November 21st, 2009 at 5:44 am
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