USA – Google, the multinational IT corporation, has achieved a significant sustainability milestone by making the packaging for its Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest devices 100% plastic-free.
This accomplishment aligns with the company’s commitment, announced in October 2020, to eliminate plastic from its hardware packaging by 2025.
At the time of the announcement, Google had already reduced plastic content in its packaging to 94%, with the remaining plastic components presenting the biggest challenge for replacement.
Through extensive research and prototyping, the company has now successfully replaced these last plastic elements, such as shrink wrap and plastic tape, with fiber-based alternatives.
Google’s new packaging material is reportedly three times more durable and 70% more stretchable than the previous material.
This innovation contributes to lighter packaging, reducing the carbon footprint during transport. A partnership with a specialized material supplier made the development of this new paper possible.
Inside the box, Google has introduced a new molded fiber pulp formula, partially made from recycled newspaper, that provides secure protection for devices.
The pulp’s speckled appearance complements the new paper’s aesthetic, reinforcing its recyclability.
The packaging also features a peelable closure label, designed to be secure and easy to detect tampering while encouraging recycling.
“These new materials were developed to make recycling easier for you,” said Claude Zellweger, Google’s Industrial Design Director.
“Internal research showed that the look and feel of packaging influence whether consumers recycle it and whether recycling centres accept it. Our new design embodies this insight with a visually speckled texture and an uncoated surface that looks great and recyclable.”
Google signs new renewable energy deal amid growing energy consumption
In other sustainability efforts, Google has signed a long-term supply agreement with solar energy firm Energix Renewables.
Under the agreement, Energix will supply electricity to Google through its solar power operations, covering a 1.5GW peak of solar project development until 2023. The deal includes an option for further expansion.
Energix will also provide Google with Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated from its solar projects, allowing Energix to benefit from tax equity.
According to Energix, this agreement “guarantees” a market-adjusted price with a downside protection mechanism for energy and competitive REC pricing. The first two Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) under this deal have already been signed.
“We are thrilled to embark on this strategic collaboration with Google,” said Asa Levinger, CEO of Energix.
“This agreement underscores our leadership in the U.S. renewable energy market, enabling us to leverage our unique expertise and resources for unparalleled growth and advancing Google towards its net-zero and 24/7 carbon-free energy ambitions.”
As data centers expand to meet the growing demands of AI, companies like Google are experiencing surging electricity use and emissions, challenging their sustainability goals.
According to an internal sustainability review, Google’s greenhouse gas emissions have increased by nearly 50% over the last five years, putting additional pressure on the company’s renewable energy initiatives.
Google has been proactive in addressing these challenges. Earlier this year, it announced a deal with NV Energy to power some of its data centers with geothermal energy.
In 2022, Google partnered with French energy company ENGIE and a Scottish offshore wind power project to secure renewable energy.
The company has since expanded this partnership with further PPAs in Europe. Additionally, in May, Google committed to using waste heat from its data centers in Finland to warm nearby homes and businesses, repurposing the energy load.
Other tech giants face similar challenges; for instance, Microsoft reported a 29% surge in carbon emissions due to its expanding data center portfolio and has been signing renewable energy deals to offset this increase.
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