Cost-Cutting, Not Tree-Cutting: Dell Packages Go Green

The initiative will reduce Dell's packaging material use by about 10 percent worldwide, according to Dell. In addition, the company plans to increase sustainable content in cushioning and corrugate packaging by 40 percent and ensure that 75 percent of its packaging components are curbside-recyclable by 2012.

"We're challenging every technology company to join us in implementing a global green packaging strategy," said Tod Arbogast, director of sustainable business at Dell, in a statement. "In doing so, we will drive extraordinary environmental and cost savings for our businesses and customers while setting a new efficiency model for other industries to follow."

Among the initiatives, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell is integrating air-filled cushion technology and renewable materials including molded pulp cushions and 100 percent recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) thermal-formed cushions, according to the company. HDPE is a common component of recycled milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles, according to Dell. Over the next year, Dell expects 33 million recycled milk jugs will be integrated into desktop and laptop packaging.

Dell has also launched Dell Greenprint Advisor, a free Web-based resource to help organizations access their green initiatives and prioritize future actions.