Telecom company Sprint announces redesigned eco-conscious packaging for its wireless accessory line. The new packaging is expected to generate an annualized savings for Sprint of approximately $2.1 million.

The new packaging has a recyclable casing that is 20 to 40 percent smaller than previous accessory packaging. Sprint estimates the move will save 647 tons of waste annually in addition to the 35 percent reduction in accessory packaging costs for the company.

The PVC clamshell is being replaced with a PET 1 clamshell, which the company considers a more recyclable and environmentally friendly material. The paperboard card will be made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified stock. The card no longer will be imaged using petroleum-based ink, instead it will be printed with soy and vegetable-based inks that exceed the American Soybean Association SoySeal standards

Sprint accessory packaging photo

 "Sprint is proud to launch more sustainable packaging for our accessories," said Ralph Reid, vp of corporate social responsibility for Sprint. "As we introduce greener products like the Samsung ReclaimTMand the SOLIO Charger, it only makes sense to implement more eco-friendly solutions that reduce the environmental impact of Sprint products and packaging."

Consumers will see the new packaging beginning this month for a range of products sold through Sprint's retail stores and its Website, including the Samsung Instinct HD protective carry wallet; Blackberry tour holster; Motorola i856 holster; Jabra C150 behind the ear wired headset; HTC Hero silicone gels; Samsung Reclaim clear ice phone cover; Samsung Instinct HD gels; and Samsung Intrepid i350 silicone gels.

In addition to the newly designed accessory packaging, Sprint will begin shipping accessories to customers utilizing a packaging air pillow that contains less resin and is in compliance with ASTM International biodegradable standards-ASTM D5511-02 and ASTM D5338-that indicate whether a material is compostable. This eco-friendly packaging uses less energy in production, and once disposed, will degrade in a landfill.