Dell reaches milestone for recyclable packaging

Dell has achieved one of its key sustainability goals to make more than 75% of its desktop and notebook packaging material compostable or recyclable.


The IT giant released its 2013 corporate responsibility summary report today, in which it recorded a year of strong environmental achievements.

On packaging, its ‘cube, content, curb’ strategy was finally realised through achieving the last of the 3Cs – the ‘curb’ goal to make more than 75% of its material recyclable at the kerbside, making it easier for customers to engage in recycling.

Last summer Dell announced that it was piloting the use of mushrooms in product packaging using a novel bioscience method which utilises agricultural waste products.

Dell also reached a long-term goal, set back in 2008, of collecting one billion pounds of electronic waste a year ahead of schedule while also meeting strict packaging reduction commitments.

The company also expanded use of recycled-content plastics by using 7.8 million pounds of recycled content plastics in its flat-panel monitors and OptiPlex desktop systems – a 6% increase over the previous year.

Dell also became one of the first to introduce EPEAT-registered printers, setting a high industry standard for sustainability.

In the supply chain, the company continued following the industry standard it helped established in 2012, which requires all Dell suppliers to follow the electronic industry citizenship coalition approved conflict-free smelter programme audit protocols to keep smelters conflict-free.

Commenting on progress made over the past 12 months, Dell’s vice president for corporate responsibility Trisa Thompson said that the company strives to put its technology and expertise to work where it can do the most good.

“We are committed to giving others the power to do more by catalysing the best of what we do and who we are to facilitate the progress we hope to see,” she said.

Later this year Dell will publish a more comprehensive, forward-looking report in which the company will launch a framework of 2020 goals across its corporate responsibility focus areas.

Maxine Perella

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