Environment

Dell Reduces Packaging, Not People

by Amy Judd | December 18, 2008 at 11:15 am

206 views | 7 Recommendations | 3 comments

Computer company Dell has launched a plan to save about $8.1 million in the next four years by changing the way their computer and parts are packaged and shipped - the new packaging will be made from recycled milk and detergent containter, as well as other materials.

By cutting costs this way, they are hoping to keep their employees and not have to lay them off; of course, this is no guarantee.

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Green packaging is starting to appeal to consumers as an incentive to buy from that company, so Dell could be way ahead of the game here.

Now claiming to be the only major computer maker with a "global packaging reduction target" for desktops and laptops, Dell expects to reduce packaging materials by 10% worldwide, increase "sustainable content" in cushioning and corrugate packaging by 40%, and make 75% of its packaging components "curbside recyclable" by 2012.
Dell's new packing materials will include High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) "thermo-foamed cushions." HDPE is produced from recycled milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles, for example, the company said in a statement.

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Jordan Yerman

at 12:42 on December 18th, 2008

NowPublic's own test machine, a Dell, arrived in a box more fit for a beer fridge. When ianivs and I opened it, we found a series of smaller boxes, like Russian nesting dolls. Between each box, a layer of air packets. After nearly 15 minutes, we finally caught a glimpse of the laptop itself. Kaitlin, Victoria and I then turned one of the boxes into a fort.

coprolite

at 13:23 on December 18th, 2008

The packaging from only 28 Computers.
I've said it before and i'll say it again... "There is no need for all this, I don't have the time to unpack them from, plastic, polystyrene, twist ties, elastic bands and more plastic. I have enough to do setting them up. Just put the damn things on a pallet and shrink wrap them, send the mice, keyboards and cables in a (one) plastic bag, send the monitors in a returnable purpose built rack (on a pallet)"

coprolite has contributed a photo to this story.