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In 2007, we announced the results of packaging improvements for LaserJet and inkjet print cartridges in North America. Removing PVC made the packaging more easily disposable and also reduced its weight, saving energy and transport costs.
HP inkjet cartridge photo value packs sold in the Americas are now packaged completely in recycled content paperboard. We replaced PVC with recycled plastic in packaging for inkjet multi-packs, which typically contain three cartridges, sold in North America “club” stores such as Wal-Mart.
In North America, we now use 100 percent post-consumer recycled content paperboard in external inkjet print cartridge packaging, with a few exceptions such as larger photo value packs that need some virgin material to meet strength requirements. Exterior corrugated cardboard cartons for HP LaserJet cartridges are made from 30–85 percent post-consumer recycled content. The more compact LaserJet package also contains an innovative multi-chamber air bag that protects the cartridge from damage in transit without adding weight.
We estimate that the redesigned packaging eliminated the use of about 6,800 tonnes of materials in 2007, including more than 1,300 tonnes of corrugated cardboard. The redesign also eliminated the use of more than 3,000 tonnes of PVC and has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 16,800 tonnes CO2e—the equivalent of taking more than 3,000 cars off the road for one year .1
Since 2003, HP has reduced overall package weight for inkjet cartridge multi-packs by 80 percent and quadrupled the number of packages that can be carried in a single truckload.
1Greenhouse gas emissions reductions calculated based on anticipated 2007 unit sales in United States and Canada, using packaging configurations before and after recent improvements. Environmental impacts modeled with SimaPro 7 (PRé Consultants, The Netherlands, 2006) lifecycle inventory software. Carbon equivalency factors from U.S. Climate Technology Cooperation Gateway. Source for conversion to cars removed from road is http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergyresources/calculator.html.
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