Lenovo ESG
Packaging with the Environment in Mind
Our Approach
Lenovo is intent on reducing the size of our packaging to minimize the materials used while maintaining adequate protection for our products. Lenovo’s packaging priorities focus on reducing our packaging consumption and waste by:
Increasing the use of recycled and renewable materials in packaging
Increasing the use of bio-based materials
Reducing the size of product packaging
Expanding the use of bulk and reusable packaging solutions
Plastic-free packaging
Lenovo aims to reduce plastic materials from product packaging. By combining bamboo fiber technology, self-locking boxes, and other innovative technologies, the packaging team accomplished plastic-free primary packaging on ThinkPad X1 and Z series in FY 2022/23. In FY 2023/24, plastic-free primary packaging was expanded to all ThinkPad series (except the E series) and select smartphones. As a result, the Company eliminated 548 metric tons of plastic in packaging.
Bamboo and Sugar Cane Fiber
The use of bamboo or sugar cane fibers in select products marked the launch of a new era of packaging offerings for Lenovo, while also enhancing customer experience. Bamboo fiber has many favorable features, including:
Sleek and robust design
Lightweight
100 percent renewable
Lenovo began using bamboo fiber in 2012 as packaging cushions and we are continuing to expand the use of this bamboo and sugar cane fiber packaging innovation. In 2022, a brand-new bamboo gift box was introduced to ThinkPad X1 and Z series. In 2023, the bamboo fiber packaging was expanded to all ThinkPad series (except the E series). It is made from 100 percent renewable bamboo fiber and the box weight is effectively reduced by 30 percent compared to the previous gift box.
Ocean Bound Plastic
Plastic pollution has negatively affected the ocean’s ecosystems and the marine animals who reside there. In 2019, Lenovo’s packaging team began researching the possibility of using ocean bound plastic (OBP) in product packaging. Based on repeated test results, the packaging team determined a mix of 30 percent OBP with 70 percent other recycled plastic had the best performance. Lenovo launched the first packaging cushion containing OBP (30 percent OBP and 70 percent other recycled plastics) in ThinkPad L14 packaging. In FY 2023/24, Lenovo expanded the use of OBP as thermoformed cushions or system bags for select desktop/AIO, consumer notebook, and server products. Lenovo estimates these new applications will use 165 metric tons of ocean bound plastic per year.
Packaging Specifications for Suppliers
Lenovo’s packaging program requires all corrugated container packaging supplied to be a minimum of 70 percent post-consumer fiber content and requires suppliers to use the maximum available PCC where adequate supplies exist without compromising required packaging performance characteristics, while the printing on boxes is done via flexography with water-based, non-toxic, RoHS-compliant inks. In addition, Lenovo’s packaging program requires the use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified fibers in liners for all PC when virgin fibers are used.
Packaging Specifications for Suppliers
Lenovo’s packaging program requires all corrugated container packaging supplied to be a minimum of 70 percent post-consumer fiber content and requires suppliers to use the maximum available PCC where adequate supplies exist without compromising required packaging performance characteristics, while the printing on boxes is done via flexography with water-based, non-toxic, RoHS-compliant inks. In addition, Lenovo’s packaging program requires the use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified fibers in liners for all ThinkPad products and select consumer notebooks when virgin fibers are used.
Bulk Packaging
In its operations, the Company uses reusable bulk packaging for the transportation of chassis to manufacturing locations. Bulk packaging and reusable bulk packaging may be available for many of Lenovo's products in select regions. Contact your sales rep for more information.
To learn more about Lenovo’s product packaging solutions, please see our most recentESG report.
