Opportunities for innovative eco-efficient (bulk) packaging for consumer electronics products

Abstract

When solutions are based on and limited to traditional concepts and standard solutions, the theoretical improvement potential for packaging of consumer electronics is very limited, although practice shows that there is still considerable room for improvement. Recent trends imply, however, that changing from a weight-based to a volume-based strategy is likely to be substantially more beneficial. When taking an integral perspective, using detailed cost structures and environmental analysis of the complete distribution chain, it can be shown that economical as well as environmental benefits become clear once the paradigm of single set packaging is abandoned and multi- or bulk packaging solutions are created. In cooperation with Delft University of Technology, Philips Consumer Electronics has created several such concepts that show an improvement potential of up to 40-60% in both environmental and economical costs.