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    We’re going zero plastic in our consumer packaging

     

    July 16, 2020

     

    Here’s how we’re eliminating plastic from all consumer product packaging by the end of 2021
     

    On June 5th, World Environment Day, Signify announced that we’re eliminating plastic from all consumer product packaging by the end of 2021.

    This commitment, aligns closely with our sustainability journey. And in line with our industry-leading sustainability credentials, demonstrates the importance we place on setting ever-more ambitious targets for our sustainability performance.

    Eight million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year. At Signify we decided to phase plastic out entirely"

    Robbert Slooten, Sustainability Manager, explains “Eight million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year. At Signify we realized that reducing plastic packaging wasn’t a strong enough step to take. So we decided to phase plastic out entirely.”
    Signify is eliminating plastic packaging
    And it’s not just one type of product. This phase-out goes for all our consumer products globally – Philips brand and all our B-brands, all types of lighting from bulbs to luminaires to connected, and all types of technology from conventional to LED.
    bottle row

    How we’re making it happen


    Signify currently uses over 2.5 million kilos of plastic per year. Which means there’s a lot of ground to cover to get all the way to zero!
     

    As Robbert says, “So far, great teamwork across departments, a lot of effort, and a lot of discipline, have been what’s made the difference.” 
     

    Also, it’s not only a matter of finding non-plastic substitutes for all the packaging components. Packaging plays an important role in consumer choice and consumer experience. “Nobody buys a product for its packaging, but for the transition to be successful, the result must look great, distinguish our product from the competition, not cost too much, and provide protection during transport.”

    There’s a lot of work still to do, but our plastic-free LED lamps packaging are already on the shelf in Europe, and that’s given us a milestone to celebrate"

    Faced with the challenge of making plastic-free packaging, colleagues have been working diligently, from tinkering with icon sizing and placement to get an even better-looking label design to exploring options for window shapes and sizes. And other colleagues are working to source suitable packaging that keeps our sophisticated and delicate products safe through their whole journey from factory to the home.
     

    “There’s a lot of work still to do,” Robbert says, “But our plastic-free LED lamps packaging are already on the shelves in Europe, and that’s given us a milestone to celebrate.”
     

    As Signify looks to continued leadership in sustainability, this shift to plastic-free packaging is an important – and timely – one.

    3D packaging
    Signify’s new plastic-free consumer packaging

    About the author:

    Ryan Millar

    Ryan Millar

     

    Chief Editor – Signify

    For further information, please contact:

    Signify Global Integrated Communications
    Neil Pattie
    Tel: + 31 6 15 08 48 17
    Email: neil.pattie@signify.com

    About Signify

     

    Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers and lighting for the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact connected lighting systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2022, we had sales of EUR 7.5 billion, approximately 35,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We achieved carbon neutrality in our operations in 2020, have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for six consecutive years and were named Industry Leader in 2017, 2018 and 2019. News from Signify is located at the Newsroom, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors can be found on the Investor Relations page.

    Meydan Bridge

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