HP has unveiled
redesigned packaging for its print cartridges, claiming that the
move could save an estimated 16 million kilos of greenhouse gas
emissions this year.
The firm said that the savings would be derived from the use of
smaller, lighter packages that reduce the total carbon footprint of
each cartridge and the transportation traffic required to ship
them.
The newer packaging also contains more recyclable and recycled
content.
HP estimates that its redesigned print cartridge packaging will
eliminate the use of nearly seven million kilos of materials,
including 1.36 million kilos of corrugated cardboard in 2007.
The packaging also will eliminate the use of more than three
million kilos of polyvinyl chloride through material reduction and
substitution of recycled content plastic and paperboard.
The more efficient packaging is expected to reduce truck traffic in
the US and Canada by an estimated 2.4 million kilometres in
2007.
Greg Norris, environmental life cycle assessment instructor at
Harvard
University, and creator of the Earthster project, said: "The
changes all go in the right direction environmentally and all in
ways that make economic sense to HP and its customers. More power
to these designers."
Pradeep Jotwani, senior vice president at HP's Supplies, Imaging
and Printing Group, added: "Developing environmentally responsible
packaging is not only valued by HP, our customers and our partners,
it is also good business."