Our efforts to make our packaging more sustainable

GN News

Oct 02, 2024

We make millions of products every year and reducing the environmental impact of our packaging is a key element of our sustainability strategy and in achieving our climate goals.

But what efforts are actually taking place to make our packaging more sustainable in the part of GN that works with our Jabra and BlueParrott brands?

In this interview, you’ll meet Sybil Ye, who works as a Packaging Project Coordinator in our Xiamen office in China. You’ll get to know the work she and the dedicated team are focusing on in close collaboration with the rest of GN.

From top left: Richard Zhang, Sybil Ye, Mandy Zhang, and Thomas Zhang. From bottom left: Penny Wu, Susie Huang, and Christine Wang.

Our team is dedicated to developing and implementing sustainable packaging solutions.

We minimize environmental impact by selecting renewable materials, optimizing packaging designs to reduce waste, and using recyclable and recycled materials. We also collaborate with suppliers to ensure sustainability throughout the supply chain.

Here are some examples on how we do this:

We reduce packaging volume by focusing on improving the filling degree and compact packaging. (The filling degree indicates the proportion of the pack's volume that is occupied by the product.)

• Since 2019, we have consistently used FSC materials to protect forests and people working in them.
• We strive to use recyclable materials as much as possible.
• We aim to minimize the use of plastics.
• Our packaging is designed to be recyclable.
• We use water-based ink and flexo-printing for a more eco-friendly approach, reducing pollution and carbon emissions. (Flexo-printing is considered sustainable because it uses water-based or UV-curable inks, which are less harmful to the environment compared to solvent-based inks.)
• Additionally, it supports printing on recyclable and biodegradable substrates, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly packaging solutions.
• We design packaging in collaboration with relevant disciplines, including CSR, Commodity Sourcing, and Brand Creation, to ensure the design meets corporate high-level requirements and guidelines.
• We work closely with packaging suppliers to investigate materials and designs, aligning with Jabra’s sustainable packaging strategy and market trends to ensure continuous improvements.

Which products do you handle the packaging for?

We handle the packaging for all Jabra and BlueParrott products. Regardless of the product, we ensure that every package meets our environmental standards.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, we are simplifying packaging designs to further reduce material usage.

We are working with suppliers to explore more eco-friendly materials. Additionally, we are promoting standardized packaging to enhance automation and production efficiency. For example, since 2019, we have introduced RPET felt materials in pouch designs, which are now widely used in legacy products, making us industry innovators and promoters of sustainability.

What have you learned the most from?

The biggest lesson we've learned is that sustainability is not just a slogan but a responsibility.

Through continuous experimentation and improvement, we've discovered that even small changes can have a significant positive impact on the environment.

We've also learned how to maintain product quality while minimizing environmental impact. Understanding the company's environmental strategy deeply and seeing all GN colleagues striving for sustainability has been enlightening. Sustainability is not just about packaging materials and design but also about logistics and low-carbon transportation.

What is really difficult to change or handle?

The most challenging aspect is changing traditional mindsets and habits. Many people are accustomed to using conventional packaging materials and methods, and altering these habits takes time and education.

Finding materials that are both eco-friendly and cost-effective can also be challenging, as some sustainable materials are more expensive.

Why do you find it interesting to work with this?

Working on sustainable packaging is not just a job; it's a mission.

We believe that our efforts can make a positive contribution to the future of our planet. Seeing how our innovations and hard work actually reduce environmental pollution brings us immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

Witnessing the gradual reduction in carbon emissions with each generation of packaging is incredibly rewarding.