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HP Invents Eco-Friendly Pack

Hewlett-Packard Co., Palo Alto, CA, has debuted a new angle on eco-friendly packaging using RPETG, a recycled polyester copolymer, that replaces polyvinyl chloride.

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RPETG thermoforms are used in a new design for HP ink-jet cartridge products sold in club stores.

The eco-friendlier packaging initiative involved a number of complexities over a multiple year period in changing materials, developing a new package design, and in consolidating a range of packs into a small handful of formats that accept dozens of product variations.

“It’s all about environmental improvement,” explains Andrea Lantz, HP’s supplies engineering and customization manager.

“HP has a corporate goal to improve the environmental impact of our products and packaging,” Lantz adds. “I set a goal for my team to create a more environmentally friendly package for our club store customers. We worked closely with club stores to understand their needs and they were involved in the design process.”

HP also worked closely with packaging supplier Display Pack (www.displaypack.com), which assisted on material selection and testing.

The ink-jet cartridges are packaged in clear front-and-back 18-mil RPETG thermoforms from Display Pack, which also provides the printed inserts that carry graphics. The printed insert also supports an eco-friendly approach: It’s made of 16-pt 100% recycled paperboard printed offset in 5 colors front, 4 colors back, plus aqueous coating. Each insert conforms to the thermoform’s bevel, a 45º angle molded along the two sides of the front thermoform that provides a distinctive look and unifies the entire line of products.

“I’m excited about the new packaging solution, not only for meeting the environmental and cost goals, but also for its attractive appearance,” Lantz says. “Our marketing team was also instrumental in this effort, and the flat front of the package provides a great billboard for marketing graphics to help club store customers select the right product. For branding and consistency, the beveled edges of the package emulate the beveled sides of our individually packaged ink-jet cartridges.”

Major effort, major change

Revamping its club stores pack culminates a several years’ effort for HP, according to Lantz. “As part of Hewlett-Packard’s long-standing environmental commitment, HP has been working towards a replacement for our club packaging since introducing the ‘Tripacks’ that were highlighted in Packaging World’s previous article in 2003 [see packworld.com/go/w175],” she says.

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