Former direct only vendor Dell Computer (Nasdaq: DELL) in its continuing attempt to be a green computing supplier is implementing a plan to modernize its computer packaging.
This new campaign will result in an estimated savings of more than $8 million and the potential removal of approximately 20 million pounds of packaging material over the next four years, according to company sources.
This effort will be a global one. Dell’s plans to reduce desktop and laptop packaging materials by approximately 10 per cent worldwide, increase sustainable content in cushioning and corrugate packaging by 40 per cent and ensure that 75 per cent of packaging components are curbside recyclable by 2012.
“We’re challenging every technology company to join us in implementing a global green packaging strategy,” said Tod Arbogast, director of Sustainable Business at Dell. “In doing so, we will drive extraordinary environmental and cost savings for our businesses and customers while setting a new efficiency model for other industries to follow.”
In 2007, Dell who become a channel player for the first time in its history, reduce outbound packaging by 10 million pounds by nearly 10 per cent. The company’s desktop and laptop packaging goal announced today will help preserve more than 150,000 trees.
“Excessive packaging is among the most solvable challenges today. Changing the packaging paradigm presents an opportunity to increase business and brand value through sustainable innovation, resulting in positive environmental benefits,” said Adam Werbach, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi S, a global sustainability consulting agency that has worked closely with Dell to develop its packaging strategy.
Dell is integrating air-filled cushion technology and renewable materials including molded pulp cushions and 100 per cent recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) thermal-formed cushions. Milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles are typical materials that comprise the HDPE recycled waste stream. Over the next year, Dell estimates that it will integrate nearly two million recycled milk jugs into cushions protecting its Studio Hybrid system. An estimated 33 million recycled milk jugs will be integrated into desktop and laptop packaging in 2009.
Through its server-packaging option MultiPack, the company may eliminate up to half of the packaging materials and waste that results during typical installations.