FINLAND – Nokia has unveiled its strategy to transition entirely to recyclable packaging across its entire Fixed Networks Lightspan portfolio, specifically aiming to introduce a new generation of gigabit-speed G.fast access nodes for Deutsche Telekom.
The eco-conscious packaging, which boasts a more compact and lighter design compared to its predecessors, is aimed at delivering high-speed G.fast access nodes to Deutsche Telekom. Nokia highlights that this revamped packaging will reduce size by 60% and weight by 44%.
This initiative enables Nokia to optimize its shipping process by increasing the number of products shipped per pallet, thereby cutting transportation-related carbon dioxide emissions by up to 60%. The sustainable packaging, intended for reuse in return shipments, is set for rollout by year-end.
Moreover, the protective buffer material, shielding products from potential damage during handling, comprises 100% recyclable cardboard components, aligned with the Forest Stewardship Council certification standards.
The company affirms a complete removal of non-biodegradable foam, plastic, toxic materials, and chemical treatments from its new packaging.
Geert Heyninck, Head of Nokia Broadband Networks for Fixed, emphasized, “Eco-friendly packaging plays a pivotal role in our environmental and climate objectives. Using 100% recyclable materials helps diminish waste and fosters a circular economy.”
This step aligns with Nokia’s broader commitment to adopting sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging.
In 2022, the company initiated eco-friendly packaging for its broadband customer premises equipment. Additionally, Nokia aims to fulfill science-based goals by slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
Arash Ashouriha, Senior Vice President of Technology Innovation at Deutsche Telekom, highlighted their firm’s dedication to circularity goals for 2030.
He emphasized the comprehensive approach focusing on the entire life cycle of products and their collaborations with technology suppliers such as Nokia.
Ashouriha stressed the importance of innovative, sustainable packaging in their efforts, acknowledging the removal of single-use plastics in their branded devices as a significant prior step.
In a similar move, in August, Ericsson’s design team unveiled a sustainable packaging solution for shipping their Remote Radio products, transitioning from oil-based plastics to wood fiber materials for the packaging inserts.
The initiative aims to curtail Ericsson’s packaging impact on the environment while ensuring efficiency in production, logistics, and disposal, eliminating the risk of contributing to ocean plastic pollution.
Creating plastic-free packaging for heavyweight electronic products, typically weighing between 24-36kg, necessitates innovative design.
Ericsson collaborated with two suppliers, Nefab and DS Smith, to develop two designs incorporating these new materials, ensuring the structural integrity needed for product protection during shipping.
Mats Pellbäck Scharp, Ericsson’s Head of Sustainability, emphasizes packaging’s role in their supply chain emissions reduction goal by 2030, noting that eliminating plastics contributes to their environmental objectives.
Beyond its plastic-free nature and recyclability, the new packaging demonstrates a balanced or better carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) impact from cradle to grave compared to existing solutions.
In light of global efforts toward Net Zero and new regulations and taxes on plastic packaging, Ericsson anticipates an industry-wide shift in material usage.
After successful trials with Swisscom, Deutsche Telekom, and its COSMOTE subsidiary in Greece, Ericsson aims to extend the new packaging to more customers and hardware products in the near future.
The plastic-free packaging initiative aligns with Ericsson’s sustainability strategy, which targets achieving Net Zero across its entire value chain by 2040, with circularity playing a crucial role in sustainable material choices.
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