Sprint to Save $2.1M With Eco-Friendly Packaging

By redesigning packaging for its phone accessories, Sprint expects to save $2.1 million annually in packaging costs.

This represents a 35 percent reduction in packaging costs, according to a press release, and a corresponding reduction in 647 tons of waste annually.

The new packaging — which is made of recyclable PET 1, replacing PVC — is 20-40 percent smaller than the packaging it replaces.

Ink on the packaging is now soy-based, instead of petroleum-based.

Paperboard used in the packaging is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

For items purchased online, Sprint will ship to consumers using a new packaging air pillow that contains less resin and is biodegradable.

The new packaging will be used on the following items:

• 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

The Green Carrier Matrix from ABI Research recently ranked Sprint/Nextel No. 2 among mobile phone companies based on the environmental impact of its network infrastructure, green network equipment, green handsets and handset recycling. AT&T was ranked No. 1.