Sprint, a mobile phone network in the US, is encouraging mobile phone recycling by launching reusable mobile phone packaging that will enable consumers to recycle their old handsets for free.
Sprint is launching new packaging for two-thirds of new Samsung Seek phones and entails the customer returning their old phone for recycling in the new packaging. For comparison purposes, the remaining Seek phones will continue to be recycled using the existing system, which uses LDPE envelopes.
If collection rates for old phones using the new packaging equal or exceed those of the current envelope-based method, Sprint will look to extend the new packaging across all products.
Sprint point out that, if successful, customers will then have an easier recycling option for the over 900,000kg of cardboard packaging Sprint produce annually. An added benefit would be a reduction of over 45,000kg in Sprint’s use of plastic for envelopes.
The Seek is available in three colours and the new packaging is being trialled for two of these. The redesign has involved replacing some of the plastic-based elements with those made of board or paper.
Samsung has specified chlorine-free boards, soy inks and a box and inner tray composed of a minimum of 90% post-consumer waste.
A vital part of the returnable packaging is the provision of a postage paid label to make it easy for the customer to return their old handset and accessories in the box.
A point-of-sale box has been designed that is functional and the right size, yet incorporates a clear and easy to use recycling solution, without exceeding the costs of the current packs.