Nokia is moving to 100% recyclable packaging for its entire Lightspan portfolio of broadband access nodes by the end of 2023.
The company first introduced eco-friendly packaging in 2022 for its broadband customer premises equipment.
Nokia’s new packaging eliminates non-biodegradable foam, plastic, bleaching, toxic materials and chemical treatments. It replaces protective plastic covers with a biodegradable version. Also, the buffer material which protects the product from dropping damage is made from fully recyclable cardboard components in compliance with the Forest Stewardship Council. In addition, the packaging is designed for reuse in return shipments.
The vendor is already using this packaging to serve one of its largest customers—Deutsche Telekom, which uses Nokia’s next-gen G.fast access nodes that feature a compact and lightweight design. Nokia said this would lead to a 60% decrease in packaging size and 44% overall weight. As a result, Nokia can ship more products per pallet and reduce CO2 emissions from transportation by 60%.
Deutsche Telekom itself has also set ambitious circularity goals for 2030 and its work with Nokia will contribute to that effort.
“We focus on the entire lifecycle of our products and everything we buy from our technology suppliers,” said Arash Ashouriha, SVP of Group Technology Innovation at Deutsche Telekom. “We have already taken out all single-use plastics in packing our own ‘T’-branded devices. Collaborating with our technology suppliers like Nokia on innovative ways of sustainable packaging is an essential next step.”
Nokia has committed to science-based Targets, aiming to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030. It aligns with limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
“Eco-friendly product packaging is a major contributor to our climate and environmental ambitions,” said Geert Heyninck, Head of Broadband Networks for Fixed at Nokia. “By using 100% recyclable materials, we help to reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy.”