Member Spotlight: Dell Powering the Possible In Sustainable Packaging
TEMPE, ARIZ., – September 1st 2012 – As one of the first members to join
The Consortium at its foundation in 2009, Dell has made substantial progress in implementing sustainable practices across the entire company. In mid-July, Dell released its FY2012 Corporate Responsibility Report, which announced that the organization not only met, but exceeded the packaging goals created in 2008 as part of its 3C’s(cube, content, curb) strategy. Dell established the 3C packaging goals from listening to its customers, who had concerns about products delivered in unnecessarily large boxes, filled with Styrofoam and containing materials that were not easily recyclable. Dell exceeded these goals by reducing the size of packaging by more than 12 percent, increasing the amount of recycled and renewable content in packaging up to 40 percent with new materials such as bamboo, and also by ensuring that up to 75 percent of packaging is recycled at curbside. This work not only eliminated more than 20 million pounds of packaging materials, it also saved Dell more than $18 million.
“The innovation we have achieved with our packaging is all part of Dell’s larger life cycle approach to sustainability,” says Oliver Campbell, Dell Director of Procurement. “We design products and packaging with the planet in mind and consider the environmental impact at each stage of their existence. We could not be more thrilled with the progress that we’ve made – but it’s now time to set and achieve new ambitious goals as we get one step closer to changing the face of traditional packaging.” One example of Dell’s leadership in the use of sustainable packaging is its integration of biodegradable materials such as mushrooms. The new mushroom packaging, which is currently in the pilot phase, is made from agricultural waste such as cotton hulls that are injected with mushroom spawn. This packaging material is proven just as protective as Styrofoam but is organic and compostable.
Dell has been very active within The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) in the Electronics and Packaging sectors among others. “Dell was one of the inaugural members of our Packaging Working Group further demonstrating their leadership in packaging innovations,” say Kelly Unger, TSC Sector Manager – Packaging. “Having Dell participate in our packaging working group is a true asset.”
About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listen to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. Powering the Possible is Dell’s commitment to put technology and expertise to work where it can do the most good for people and the planet. Dell is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its business operations and creating new possibilities for its customers to reduce their environmental impacts as well. Learn more at www.dell.com/enviroment.
About The Sustainability Consortium
The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) is an independent organization of diverse global participants that work collaboratively to build a scientific foundation that drives innovation to improve consumer product sustainability. TSC develops transparent methodologies, tools, and strategies to drive a new generation of products and supply networks that address environmental, social, and economic imperatives. The Sustainability Consortium advocates for a credible, scalable, and transparent process and system. The organization boasts over 90 members from all corners of business employing over 57 million people and whose combined revenues total over $1.5 Trillion. Arizona State University and the University of Arkansas jointly administer The Sustainability Consortium, with additional operations at Wageningen University in The Netherlands. Learn more at www.sustainabilityconsortium.org
Media Contact
Elizabeth Kessler | Marketing Coordinator
The Sustainability Consortium
Arizona State University
Elizabeth.Kessler.1@asu.edu | 480.965.3810
