Lenovo’s Sustainable Packaging: Eco-Friendly Innovations & Waste Reduction
Sustainable Packaging Initiatives
Lenovo recognizes packaging as a key environmental factor within its Environmental Management System (EMS). The company prioritizes reducing packaging waste and consumption through several strategies:
Lenovo recognizes packaging as a key environmental factor within its Environmental Management System (EMS). The company prioritizes reducing packaging waste and consumption through several strategies:
- Increasing the incorporation of recycled and renewable materials
- Expanding the use of bio-based alternatives
- Minimizing the size of product packaging
- Implementing bulk and reusable packaging solutions
During FY 2023/24, Lenovo focused on reducing packaging material consumption while integrating more sustainable materials. A primary goal was to shrink packaging dimensions to decrease material usage while ensuring sufficient product protection.
To support this commitment, Lenovo set a target to transition toward using recycled and renewable materials, particularly plant-based bamboo and sugar cane fibers. The introduction of bamboo and sugar cane fiber packaging marked a new phase in Lenovo’s sustainability efforts, offering benefits such as:
To support this commitment, Lenovo set a target to transition toward using recycled and renewable materials, particularly plant-based bamboo and sugar cane fibers. The introduction of bamboo and sugar cane fiber packaging marked a new phase in Lenovo’s sustainability efforts, offering benefits such as:
- A sleek, durable design
- Lightweight composition
- 100% renewable material
As part of its packaging program, Lenovo mandates that all corrugated packaging must contain at least 70% post-consumer fiber content. Suppliers are required to use the highest feasible percentage of post-consumer content without compromising packaging integrity. Printing is done using water-based, non-toxic, RoHS-compliant inks via flexography. Additionally, when virgin fibers are necessary, Lenovo ensures they are sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified suppliers.
Since 2008, Lenovo has successfully reduced packaging weight by 4,809 metric tons. In FY 2023/24 alone, the company cut packaging consumption by 672 metric tons through various design innovations. Furthermore, Lenovo employs reusable bulk packaging to transport chassis to manufacturing sites.
Advancing Sustainable Packaging Solutions
For Lenovo, packaging goes beyond merely protecting products during transit—it serves as an opportunity for engineers and designers to develop solutions that lower environmental impact.
Bamboo Fiber Innovation
Lenovo introduced bamboo fiber packaging cushions in 2012. In 2022, a new bamboo gift box was introduced for the ThinkPad X1 and Z series. By 2023, this packaging approach was extended to all ThinkPad models, excluding the E series. Made entirely from renewable bamboo fiber, this packaging solution reduces box weight by 30% compared to previous designs. Additionally, Lenovo ensures that all PC boxes include at least 70% recycled old corrugated containers (OCC).
Ocean-Bound Plastic Integration
Marine plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern. To address this, Lenovo’s packaging team began exploring the potential of using ocean-bound plastic (OBP) in 2019. After extensive testing, a blend of 30% OBP with 70% other recycled plastics was identified as the optimal composition. The first OBP-containing packaging cushion was introduced in ThinkPad L14 packaging. By FY 2023/24, Lenovo expanded OBP use to thermoformed cushions and system bags for select desktops, notebooks, and servers. This initiative is expected to repurpose 165 metric tons of ocean-bound plastic annually.
Plastic-Free Packaging Initiatives
Lenovo is committed to eliminating plastic from its packaging. By leveraging bamboo fiber, self-locking boxes, and other innovative materials, the company successfully introduced plastic-free primary packaging for the ThinkPad X1 and Z series in FY 2022/23. The following year, this initiative was extended to all ThinkPad models (excluding the E series) and select smartphones, leading to the removal of 548 metric tons of plastic from packaging.
For further details on Lenovo’s progress, refer to Section 8.0 for packaging performance data and Section 9.0 for ESG key performance indicators.
Since 2008, Lenovo has successfully reduced packaging weight by 4,809 metric tons. In FY 2023/24 alone, the company cut packaging consumption by 672 metric tons through various design innovations. Furthermore, Lenovo employs reusable bulk packaging to transport chassis to manufacturing sites.
Advancing Sustainable Packaging Solutions
For Lenovo, packaging goes beyond merely protecting products during transit—it serves as an opportunity for engineers and designers to develop solutions that lower environmental impact.
Bamboo Fiber Innovation
Lenovo introduced bamboo fiber packaging cushions in 2012. In 2022, a new bamboo gift box was introduced for the ThinkPad X1 and Z series. By 2023, this packaging approach was extended to all ThinkPad models, excluding the E series. Made entirely from renewable bamboo fiber, this packaging solution reduces box weight by 30% compared to previous designs. Additionally, Lenovo ensures that all PC boxes include at least 70% recycled old corrugated containers (OCC).
Ocean-Bound Plastic Integration
Marine plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern. To address this, Lenovo’s packaging team began exploring the potential of using ocean-bound plastic (OBP) in 2019. After extensive testing, a blend of 30% OBP with 70% other recycled plastics was identified as the optimal composition. The first OBP-containing packaging cushion was introduced in ThinkPad L14 packaging. By FY 2023/24, Lenovo expanded OBP use to thermoformed cushions and system bags for select desktops, notebooks, and servers. This initiative is expected to repurpose 165 metric tons of ocean-bound plastic annually.
Plastic-Free Packaging Initiatives
Lenovo is committed to eliminating plastic from its packaging. By leveraging bamboo fiber, self-locking boxes, and other innovative materials, the company successfully introduced plastic-free primary packaging for the ThinkPad X1 and Z series in FY 2022/23. The following year, this initiative was extended to all ThinkPad models (excluding the E series) and select smartphones, leading to the removal of 548 metric tons of plastic from packaging.
For further details on Lenovo’s progress, refer to Section 8.0 for packaging performance data and Section 9.0 for ESG key performance indicators.
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