Two years ago Shure announced goals to increase recyclable and/or renewable packaging for new products, and the company states that it has achieved its goal to convert to 75 percent by 2023 and is on track to grow to 90 percent by 2025 and 100 percent by 2030 for new packaging. The goal for existing product packaging in 2025 is 75 percent recyclable and/or renewable.
As part of its environmental improvement efforts, Shure is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. With more than 1,500 different packaging pieces for a variety of different products, converting to sustainable packaging is a significant undertaking, especially for electronic equipment that is shipped globally.
Key initiatives include:
— Replacing thermoform trays with more sustainable, recyclable alternatives such as molded pulp.
— Reducing overall plastic materials in packaging.
— Reducing the amount of literature that accompanies products.
— Right-sizing packaging for greater efficiency and reduced carbon footprint from shipping and storage.
Shure manufacturing plants have recycling programs for cardboard boxes and wooden pallets, keeping literally “tons” of cardboard waste and nearly 5,000 wooden pallets out of landfills. The company also works with suppliers who take action on sustainability, including suppliers who use solar power and recycled water in their operations.
In addition to packaging, Shure products themselves are designed with sustainability in mind. By 2027, the company states that more than 100 million AA batteries will have been saved from landfills because of Shure rechargeable batteries. The number is based on data calculations from customers worldwide in music production, theater, touring, education, business, government, houses of worship, and more.
In the past five years, Shure estimates that it has eliminated nearly 30 million AA batteries from ending up in landfills. The company has also engineered its products to help with overall power consumption, using less energy in “down” modes and allowing remote monitoring of power use with Wireless Workbench software.
“Green isn’t just in our logo, it’s an important part of who we are,” says Chris Schyvinck, president and CEO at Shure. “We are committed to being environmentally responsible with our people, our products, our facilities, and our communities.”
A cross-functional Shure team regularly reviews international regulations, directives, and standards to ensure environmental compliance with regulations like RoHS, REACH, and WEEE. The nature of these regulations promotes sustainable electronics and electronics manufacturing.
For more information about the company’s sustainability efforts, visit it’s Sustainability Site.
Note: Shure calculates the ratio of the mass of recyclable packaging to the total mass of packaging for products sold. This analysis enables Shure to identify which products and packaging types contribute most significantly to non-recyclable figures.
