After two years in development, Belkin’s most popular wireless chargers, power banks, wall chargers and car chargers will receive updated product housing materials that consist of 73 to 75% post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) and plastic-free packaging.
The product transition, rolling out through 2023, will save 7,000 metric tons of carbon emissions and reduce CO2-eq emissions for these products by 67%.
The products include the Belkin Magnetic Car Vent Mount, BOOST↑CHARGE USB-C PD 3.0 PPS Wall Charger 25W, BOOST↑CHARGE Dual USB-C PD Wall Charger 40W, BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 4-Port GaN Charger 108W, BOOST↑CHARGE PRO Dual USB-C GaN Wall Charger with PPS 45W and BOOST↑CHARGE PRO Dual USB-C GaN Wall Charger with PPS 65W.
Belkin is already on its way to becoming 100% carbon neutral in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 and this announcement addresses Belkin’s approach to reducing its scope 3 emissions. Its commitment to review all areas of the business has included a focus on reducing single use plastics in packaging which has seen up to 90% reduction in plastic usage in some products.
PCR takes plastic waste from consumers and repurposes it to create new products. It utilises plastic destined for landfill, giving it new life, while taking meaningful steps to support the circular economy by reducing dependence on virgin plastics. The Life Cycle Assessment conducted by the company shows that utilising PCR material has a significant reduction in environmental impact.
“When we think about the difference a company of our size and influence can make on the planet, moving away from using virgin plastics in our products is an obvious decision,” Belkin CEO, Steve Malony said. “I am proud to work alongside the teams that made this shared vision a reality. Their dedication to doing the right thing inspires me and together, we will continue to work towards a more sustainable future.”
From an aesthetic, quality and engineering perspective, there will be little difference between existing Belkin products and Belkin PCR products. The PCR products will have clear callouts on the packaging and product pages online such as: ‘Made with Recycled Plastic Products’ and ‘100% Plastic Free Packaging’.