New Packaging Reduces Use of PVC Plastic and is up to 40 Percent Smaller.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.-- Sprint (NYSE:S), recently ranked highest among all telecom companies at #15 on Newsweek’s Green Rankings, today announced the launch of redesigned, environmentally friendly packaging for its extensive wireless accessory line. Beginning this month, accessories sold at Sprint retail stores and online at www.sprint.com will be packaged within a fully recyclable casing that is 20 to 40 percent smaller than previous accessory packaging – which Sprint estimates will save 647 tons of waste annually. The new accessory packaging is expected to result in a 35% reduction in accessory packaging costs generating an annualized savings for Sprint of approximately $2.1 million.
Additional highlights of Sprint’s new accessory packaging include:
The packaging clamshell replaces PVC with PET 1, a more recyclable and environmentally friendly material.
Soy and vegetable-based inks replace petroleum-based ink, exceeding the American Soybean Association SoySeal Standards and reducing the level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The paperboard is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and – ensuring that the paper travels from an FSC-certified forest to a paper manufacturer, merchant, and printer, all of whom have FSC “chain-of-custody” certification. This process promotes conservation and responsible management of forests.
“Sprint is proud to launch more sustainable packaging for our accessories,” said Ralph Reid, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility for Sprint. “As we introduce greener products like the Samsung Reclaim™ and the SOLIO Charger, it only makes sense to implement more eco-friendly solutions that reduce the environmental impact of Sprint products and packaging.”
Consumers will see the new packaging beginning this month for the following products:
Samsung Instinct HD Protective Carry Wallet
Blackberry Tour Holster
Motorola i856 Holster
Jabra C150 Behind The Ear Wired Headset
HTC Hero Silicone Gels
Samsung Reclaim Clear Ice Phone Cover
Samsung Instinct HD Gels
Samsung Intrepid i350 Silicone Gels
Micro-USB Vehicle Power Charger
Palm Micro - USB VPA
Mini USB VPA - Rim 7250/7520/7100i/Ppc6700
Samsung VPA - M300.M510
In addition to the newly designed accessory packaging, Sprint will begin shipping accessories to customers utilizing a packaging air pillow that contains less resin and is in compliance with ASTM International biodegradable standards – ASTM D5511-02 and ASTM D5338 – that indicate whether a material is compostable. This eco-friendly packaging uses less energy in production, and once disposed, will degrade in a landfill.
Sprint’s eco-friendly Samsung Reclaim recently received the CTIA "Hot for the Holidays 'Hottest in Show Award'" and is available for $49.99 after a $30 instant rebate and a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year Service Agreement. The Reclaim is the first phone in the U.S. constructed partly from corn-based bio-plastic and operates on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network (inclusive of data roaming) that reaches more than 269 million people, 18,652 cities and 1,838 airports. The Sprint Networks (inclusive of data roaming) have more than twice the coverage of AT&T’s current 3G network and 14 times the coverage of T-Mobile’s current 3G network, both based on square miles4. Sprint is the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology. Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G1.
Sprint recently announced several new environmental initiatives to support its aggressive environmental goals. In complement to existing programs, Sprint established new green design criteria for future devices and accessories; added a dedicated display area in stores that highlights Sprint’s commitment to eco-friendly products and accessories; and committed to reduce paper usage by 30 percent during the next five years.
For more information on Sprint programs that protect the environment, go to www.sprint.com/green , or follow @SprintGreenNews on Twitter.
No comments:
Post a Comment