1. business and industrial
2. chemicals industry
3. plastics and polymers

DELL AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
For the period 2010-2015
DELL AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
For the period 2010-2015
CONTENTS
PAGE
1. Executive Summary
1
2. Company Summary
2
3. Environmental Initiatives
3
4. 5. 6. 3.1
3.2
Corporate Initiatives
Dell’s Achievements in Australia
3
9
Covenant Contact Officer
12
4.1
12
Our APC Team
Schedule for Packaging Reviews
14
5.1
5.2
14
14
Types of Packaging Used
Timetable for Review
Action Plan Table
15
6.1
6.2
15
15
16
16
16
16
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
21
21
22
22
6.3
6.4
6.5
Introduction
Design
6.2.1 Covenant Goals
6.2.2 Outcome
6.2.3 Key Performance Indicator
6.2.4 Current and Planned Actions
Recycling
6.3.1 Covenant Goals
6.3.2 Outcome
6.3.3 Key Performance Indicator
6.3.4 Current and Planned Actions
Product Stewardship
6.4.1 Covenant Goals
6.4.2 Outcome
6.4.3 Key Performance Indicator
6.4.4 Current and Planned Actions
Action Plan Tables
6.5.1 Design
6.5.2 Recycling
6.5.3 Product Stewardship
DELL AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED | APC ACTION PLAN | 2010 - 2015
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1.
Executive Summary
DELL Australia Pty Ltd (DELL Australia) is a signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) and has
prepared this Action Plan for the period 2010-2015.
Dell Australia became a signatory to the National Packaging Covenant on February 8, 2007. As an importer
of packaged goods, Dell Australia is committed to upholding the principles of the Australian Packaging
Covenant and this 2010 – 2015 Action Plan details the actions and targets that have been put in place by
DELL Australia to be undertaken over the next five years. An Annual report will be prepared going forward
to detail the achievements in relation to the Covenant principles on an ongoing annual basis.
Dell has an active development program in Materials Research and Packaging Design to advance
sustainable packaging. Dell’s product Phase Review Process (PrP) encompasses the entire development
cycle of the product from “Concept to Sustaining”. The environmental aspects of our product’s design
are integrated into the PrP through the use of the ISO 14001 standard. Dell is distinguished by having
our Product Development activities certified to the ISO 14001 environmental management system (EMS)
standard. Packaging is an integral part of this process.
DELL Australia as a brand owner, a member of the packaging supply chain and, as a signatory to the
Covenant, has set out a company specific list of actions to adapt the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines.
These have been prepared in consultation with our global packaging team based in Round Rock, Texas,
United States of America, to ensure our reporting standards and capabilities in Australia are in line with
our current global standards for our packaging supply chains. The aim is to build on established baseline
data developed during the National Packaging Covenant, and develop specific achievable actions for the
implementation of commitments we have made under the Covenant.
Each action is linked to the key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets as set out in the Covenant. DELL
Australia is in the process of developing a central database for APC requirements along the lines of that
are already in place and as reported in our annual corporate sustainability reports. This will manage the
substantial data requirements of the implementation phase of the APC action Plan and these records will
be made available for review by the relevant parties on request.
DELL Australia has prepared a timeline for the next 12 months to address issues raised during the
development of the Action Plan in each of the three main areas i.e. Design, Recycling and Product
Stewardship. In Section 5 we layout our timeline and order of priority for the actions we aim to undertake
under the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPG).
The key goals for 2011 are;
1. Design – Ensure that DELL’s packaging review process and associated initiatives cover all the topics
required under the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPG) or at least acknowledge what areas of the
SPG are covered and develop procedures to address and record the remaining topics;
2. Recycling – DELL Australia will review our inhouse office recycling activities, discuss our recycling
requirements with third party distribution service providers, aiming to ensure packaging material is
recovered from the waste stream and directed towards recycling,
where possible;
3. Product Stewardship – DELL publishes a Corporate Responsibility Report each year indicating
Objectives, Goals and Achievements for past and future years. DELL Australia will ensure our activities
in the area of product stewardship are recognized and reported in this report.
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2.
COMPANY SUMMARY
Dell was founded in 1984 by Michael Dell, the longest-tenured executive to lead a company in the
computer industry. We are a premier provider of products and services worldwide that enable customers
to build their information technology and Internet infrastructures. Dell offers a broad range of products in
the following categories: desktop computer systems, servers and networking products, mobility products,
software and peripherals and services.
Dell Australia is a subsidiary of Dell Inc. currently headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, United States
of America. Dell Inc operates worldwide and its subsidiaries develop, design, manufacture, market and
sell computers and services, software and peripherals to customers worldwide. The company sells its
technology to a variety of customers – consumers, public customers, large enterprises and small- and
medium-sized businesses.
Our global leadership has been the result of a persistent focus on delivering the best possible customer
experience by selling products and services directly to customers. In fiscal year 2008 we launched our
retail business and expanded our partnerships with value-added resellers (VARs).
Dell Australia has served businesses, governments, large organisations and individuals since the early
1990s. The company’s local head office is in Sydney and it maintains a presence in Adelaide, Brisbane,
Melbourne and Perth. From these locations, Dell Australia provides technical and customer support, and
performs sales, marketing and support functions.
Dell Australia works with organisations across the country such as Minter Ellison; Museum Victoria and
Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE on projects ranging from virtualisation to storage and mobility.
Dell Corporate Responsibility Report
Dell publishes a Corporate Responsibility Report each year and the 2010 Summary Report can be
found at: http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/report.aspx.
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3.
Environmental Initiatives
3.1 Corporate Initiatives
Addressing Climate Change
Dell is committed to reducing GHG emissions beyond its own operations. To do this, we have adopted
a strategy that takes into account the GHG impacts of our products and our suppliers. We look at each
stage of the product life cycle — from developing, designing and sourcing through manufacturing and
operations, order fulfillment, customer use and product recovery. The following figure shows how these
focus areas work together.
We can have an even greater impact on GHG emissions reduction by looking outside our own operations
to those of our suppliers. We have set expectations with our Tier 1 suppliers, who represent 95 percent
of our total spend, to manage, improve and report their GHG emissions as a consideration for awarding
business.
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Picking the Right Materials
Packaging consists of the box and the cushioning. We can help our customers by selecting the right
packaging materials and using less of them:
Recyclable boxes — Our business client product boxes are made
from corrugated cardboard, which is 100 percent recyclable. We use
a large amount of recycled cardboard in our new cardboard, but we
can’t use 100 percent recycled content because it would lack the
necessary structural integrity. So we focus our efforts on reducing the
size of the box (cube). One of the most efficient methods for reducing
box size is through the use of our multipacks — when a customer
orders several of the same products, upon request, we can bundle
them together in a way that greatly reduces the amount of packaging
material our customers have to deal with after the equipment is
unpacked.
Recycled cushioning — For many reasons, we’re experimenting
with a variety of materials to create our cushioning. Regional cost
differences and regional environmental concerns must be considered.
For products such as the Dell Inspiron™, we use thermal-form highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), which contains 100 percent recycled
content* from items such as milk jugs and detergent bottles that are
100 percent recyclable. We have introduced new packaging, such
as air cushions in Europe, and other cushioning material, such as
thermal-form HDPE cushion, in our effort to accomplish the goals of
the Three C’s program.
Sustainable bamboo — In November 2009, we began shipping Dell
Inspiron Mini 10 and 10v netbooks in packaging made from bamboo,
a highly renewable, certified compostable material that serves as
a great alternative to moulded paper pulp, foams and corrugated
cardboard often used in packaging. Recently, we have extended
the use of bamboo packaging to include a number of Dell Inspiron
laptops. We encourage customers to add bamboo packaging to their
compost piles for easy, environmentally responsible disposal.
Toss It in Your Compost Pile
Adding to its attributes as an environmentally-responsible alternative to traditional packaging
materials, Dell bamboo packaging has been certified “compostable” and has received ASTM D-6400
certification from the Soil Control Lab. This certification assures that the bamboo will compost
satisfactorily and biodegrade at a rate comparable to known compostable materials. The certification
also assures that the compost resulting from the packaging’s degradation process is of good quality
and can sustain plant growth. During the compostability testing, engineers grew cucumber and
sunflower plants in soil mixed with our bamboo packaging compost. As you see from the photo
below, the cucumber plants are nice and healthy!
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Dell also announced on April 5, 2011 that it will begin a pilot for Mushroom based packaging.
This packaging is created by growing mushroom fibres on waste like cotton seed, wood fibre and
buckwheat hulls and consumes one-tenth the energy used to manufacture foam packaging. Dell is
the first technology company to start pilot shipments. The initial pilot is for US only and shipments will
be for the PowerEdge R710 server.
Read more: http://en.community.dell.com/dell-blogs/Direct2Dell/b/direct2dell/archive/2011/04/05/
dell-plans-pilot-to-ship-products-in-mushroom-packaging.aspx
Reducing Waste with Multipack
For orders of multiple systems going to the same location, we offer Multipack — a packaging option
that enables multiple systems to be shipped in a single box. Multipack is offered on a limited basis but is
available for most 1U and 2U servers, OptiPlex™ desktops and Latitude™ laptops. For our PowerEdge™
M-Series blade servers, we have taken Multipack to new heights, and ship a fully configured chassis in
a single box. This enables our customers to unpack and start up their new blade servers in about 15
minutes.
Multipack packaging types include:
Server Multipack — Expanded to M1000E Multipack, which holds eight blade systems, reducing the cube
by on average 42%.
OptiPlex Desktop multipack packaging - Reduces the cube on average 27%.
U.S. Latitude multipack packaging — Reduces the cube on average 33%.
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Future Packaging Projects
The packaging life cycle is complex, and it can be difficult to determine which materials offer the best
environmental solutions. Our packaging engineers consider methodologies such as life-cycle assessments
and carbon-footprint analyses to compare the environmental effects of different packaging. Using these
methodologies to quantify packaging materials and related logistic models helps us profile and select the
best solutions. Some of these future packaging product types include:
•
•
•
•
Air-filled cushion technology;
Moulded paper pulp cushions;
Moulded Fibre from local vegetation and agriculture waste; and
Renewable resource packaging materials, such as starch-based foam.
Developing greener products is essential to helping our customers minimize their environmental footprint.
Our goal is to build products with more computing power while saving energy costs and conserving
resources. In short, more “green” equals less energy consumption, less waste and lower costs. To develop
greener products, we address the resources and ingredients used to build them, the amount of energy
they consume, the packaging that protects them and the recyclability of the products. We ask,” Is there a
more energy-efficient solution? What environmentally responsible yet reliable materials are available? Can
these materials be recycled?”
We are constantly looking for better ways to build greener products without building in additional costs or
stripping out important features.
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Using Greener Materials, Offering Greener Products
Products are only as green as what goes into them, so we focus on getting the components right.
• In 2010, we transitioned all of our new laptop displays to light-emitting diode (LED), which
eliminates the use of mercury. This technology has already been incorporated in the Dell Latitude
E4200, E4300, E6400, E6400 ATG and E6500, and we are committed to expanding the list of
mercury-free, LED-based products in future offerings.
• The plastic materials used in select mainstream OptiPlex systems and monitors in 2009 included
more than 7.2 million pounds of post-consumer recycled plastic. That’s equivalent to recycling
more than 263 million water bottles.
• By the end of 2011, all newly introduced Dell personal computing products will be free of PVC,
BFRs and chlorinated flame retardants (CFRs). However, achieving this goal is contingent
on when the industry identifies acceptable alternatives that will lower product health and
environmental impacts without compromising product performance.
We are proactively eliminating the four chemicals expected to be restricted when RoHS is updated around
2014: hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate
(BBP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). As of July 1, 2010, all newly designed Dell products are free of these
four chemicals.
Driving Energy Efficiency
Our customers seek to work as efficiently as possible, and we aim to build products to help them be
efficient. All Latitude, Precision and OptiPlex systems can be configured for ENERGY STAR compliance
and are among the most energy-efficient in the industry. In fact, Dell was the first company to offer
ENERGY STAR 1.0 for server families and the first to achieve 80 PLUS Gold power-supply energy
efficiency for a server power supply unit.
As of May 2011 Dell has 192 products registered for Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool
(EPEAT). Our laptops and desktops are being designed to consume up to 25 percent less energy by the
end of calendar year 2010 compared to systems offered in May 2008. Dell estimates that customers using
desktop power management features and settings have saved a total of more than $4 billion on energy
costs.
Reducing Our Own Footprint
Being environmentally responsible goes beyond selling greener products and services. Dell understands
that reducing our own environmental footprint is the responsible thing to do, so our commitment to
promoting a healthier and cleaner planet starts in our own backyard.
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Reducing Energy Consumption
Energy-efficient operations enable us to conserve resources, reduce emissions and trim our operating
costs.
• During the last three years, Dell has completed more than 170 improvement projects in its
facilities. These upgrades are estimated to reduce energy usage by 36 million kWh, avoid
generating 21,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and save roughly $5.8 million
each year.
• As a result of virtualization, by the end of 2009, Dell’s internal IT organization saved enough
electricity annually to power roughly 2,000 average American homes for one year.
• By applying our “green efficiency” approach, Dell IT has achieved more than $29 million in energy
savings to date and indefinitely postponed the need to build a new data centre to support our
internal operations.
Investing in renewable energy to lower our greenhouse gas emissions Dell recognizes that climate change
is real and must be mitigated, and we support efforts to reduce global emissions to levels guided by
evolving science. We aspire to purchase as much electricity from clean and renewable sources of energy
as practical. This, along with our ongoing energy-efficiency improvements, will help us to meet our pledge
to reduce GHG emissions.
Highlights of our accomplishments thus far include:
• We currently power our entire Round Rock, Texas, headquarters campus plus seven of our
facilities in the U.S. and Europe with 100 percent purchased renewable electricity.
• In fiscal year 2010, we sourced 25 percent of our global electricity from renewable sources such
as wind and solar.
• We are one of the top five purchasers of renewable electricity in the U.S. (according to the
Environmental Protection Agency’s Fortune 500® Partners rankings April 2010) — and we are
the top computer-maker purchaser (U.S. only).
• Our manufacturing site in Hortolândia, Brazil, has solar panels on the roof to heat water for the
building’s kitchen and cafeteria areas. This is expected to save 76,000 kWh each year.
• Our headquarters’ parking lot in Round Rock, Texas, is the home of solar arrays that are
designed to produce 131,051 kWh of renewable source electricity. This alternative source of
electricity will allow us to avoid generating 221,000 pounds of GHG emissions each year, roughly
equivalent to planting 23 acres of pine forest every year.
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We’ve pledged to continue to maximize our green power purchases, reduce our own operational
emissions and responsibly offset the remainder. In 2007, we announced a goal to further increase
operational efficiency by reducing global GHG emissions by 15 percent per dollar of revenue (a carbonintensity measurement) from 2007 to 2012, and to offset our facilities’ operations worldwide. We’ve also
committed to further reduce our absolute global operational GHG emissions 40 percent by 2015.
For more information on Dell’s goals, please refer to the 2010 Dell Corporate Responsibility Report
(summary) on page 31 at: http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/cr.aspx?~ck=bt
3.2 Dell’s Achievements in Australia
Dell has demonstrated leadership in asset disposal and recycling services in Australia.
Consumer Recycling Initiatives
In November 2005, Dell Australia held the first of its public free recycling days. Held at Cromer Public
School in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the event allowed the public to drop off any brand of computer,
monitor, printer and even mice for safe, environmentally-conscious and free disposal. Close to 10 tonnes
of equipment was collected.
Since then, seven more events have taken place; Brisbane in May 06, Wellington NZ in September 06,
Melbourne in October 06, Perth in November 06, Canberra in May 07, Adelaide in Mar 08 and Canberra
in Oct 2009. The eight events in Australia and New Zealand have helped to divert over 165 tonnes from
landfill.
Dell also offers free consumer take back programs for Dell and non Dell products.
(1) Take Back Dell - Free recycling of any Dell branded equipment.
Dell will pick up Dell-branded equipment from any location in Australia or New Zealand (metro,
country and remote). You do not need to purchase any new Dell equipment to qualify for this
program. Terms and conditions apply at the Recycling for Home link at www.dell.com.au/recycle.
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(2) Buy Dell, Recycle Free - Free recycling of any brand when you buy a Dell XPS, Inspiron or Vostro PC.
Dell will recycle any brand of personal computer on a one-for-one basis when you buy a new Dell
XPS, Vostro or Inspiron desktop or notebook – metro regions only. Terms and conditions apply at
www.dell.com.au/recycle.
(3) Byteback Victoria.
Dell participates in this program with AIIA, major IT industry organisations and Sustainability
Victoria. Byteback is a computer take-back program to help people dispose of unwanted computer
equipment responsibly. Because the main aim is to keep old computers out of landfill, equipment
deposited at Byteback sites is broken down into components for recycling. For more information
please see http://www.bytebackaustralia.com.au/.
Asset and Recovery Services in Australia
Identity theft, standards compliance, environmental liability — these concerns are
increasingly top of mind for today’s businesses. Whether it’s personal financial
information, highly confidential health records or corporate intellectual property,
business servers, desktops and laptops across the globe hold some of the most
sensitive and proprietary data. Add to this the environmental impact of obsolete
equipment, and it’s clear that proper disposal of computer equipment that has
reached the end of its life cycle has never been more important.
Dell can help you recover, resell, recycle or return to lease your excess computer
equipment in a secure and environmentally conscious manner that complies with
local regulatory guidelines.
Head Office, Frenchs Forest Environmental Activities
Dell Australia promotes recycling and responsible paper usage in its own offices. With regard to recycling,
Dell Australia has worked with the property manager for its main office to implement an onsite recycling
service which enables all tenants in the building to sort paper, bottles and general waste. We have also
moved to the use of recycled paper in all the printers in our offices and set the default to double-sided
printing. In addition, our printers and fax machines are set to no longer print activity reports.
We have installed sensor lights in meeting rooms to ensure lights are only activated when rooms are in
use - therefore reducing energy consumption. In addition, Dell is currently finalising plans to purchase a
percentage of renewable energy from our energy provider on our main energy contract.
Waterless urinals are also in operation assisting with water savings.
Dell recycles all internal computer assets via an approved ISO 14001 recycling vendor.
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Dell continues to offer multi packs for the shipping of desktops to reduce packaging for corporate
customers. Sea freight shipping is also an option for large orders, which reduces carbon emissions and
saves money for the customer. Both these delivery options have been well received by our customers as
well as being helpful to the environment.
Packaging Covenant Signatory Commitments
Dell Australia became a signatory to the National Packaging Covenant on February 8, 2007. As an importer
of packaged goods, Dell Australia is committed to upholding the principles of the Australian Packaging
Covenant and this 2010 – 2015 Action Plan details the actions and targets that have been put in place by
DELL Australia to be undertaken over the next five years. An Annual report will be prepared going forward
to detail the achievements in relation to the Covenant principles on an ongoing annual basis.
Dell will continue to work with its Principal and suppliers to ensure that all the members of its packaging
supply chain conform to the requirements of the Australian Packaging Covenant. Dell’s environmental
stewardship program drives conservation of product energy consumption; develops methods to reduce
or eliminate materials for disposal; prolongs product life span; and provides effective and convenient
equipment recovery solutions. For information concerning Dell’s Environmental Affairs programs, please
see: http://www.dell.com/environment.
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4.
Covenant contact officer
Ms Ann Brownlow will be responsible for DELL Australia’s commitment to the Australian Packaging
Covenant. She will report to DELL Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Joseph Kremer, on all matters relating
to the Australian Packaging Covenant. This Action Plan has been endorsed by Mr Kremer.
The contact details for Ms Brownlow are:
Ann Brownlow
APJ Producer Responsibility Compliance Manager
DELL Australia Pty Limited
14 Aquatic Drive
French’s Forest NSW 2086
4.1
Our APC team
In relation to packaging, the development and review of new packaging is primarily headed by the WW
Packaging and Procurement Director’s organisation. Members of several other functions such as product
core teams, Marketing, platform planning, WW Environmental Affairs, and part of the Aggregate product
planning stage are involved in the review process. DELL Australia will call upon these global resources to
assist the Australian office implement the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines as the majority of issues may
already be covered by a current activity or reporting requirement of these departments
DELL believe a combination of the expertise we have in the Australian office combined with the resources
of our WW packaging team, assisted by our local advisors, will result in a team that will complete the SPG
requirements to the highest standards.
We have identified the key departments required to have input and have created a team made up of the
following individuals to work on this key project as part of our ongoing efforts to address packaging:
Name:
Responsibility:
Ann Brownlow
APJ Producer Responsibility Compliance Manager
WW Packaging Team
Greenstreets Environmental Resources
External Advisor
This APC team will work collectively over the next five years to develop a world class repository for all
information relating to the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines and APC requirements, while carrying out
all tasks necessary to achieve compliance with the APC membership. Individuals may not be involved
in all twelve strategies relating to the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines, and a number of current global
initiatives may already negate the need to address particular elements of the SPG.
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Over the past five years DELL Australia has worked with our advisors to build up a core body of knowledge
within the Australian operation in relation to the National Packaging Covenant, and subsequently the
Australian Packaging Covenant. In the past year the preparation for the Australian Packaging Covenant
included:
• Onsite workshop in DELL Australia for Ms Ann Brownlow in relation to the transition process from
National Packaging Covenant to Australian packaging Covenant;
• Attendance at a number of APC led workshops; and
• A comprehensive Q & A session between our advisors in Australia and our WW Packaging
team to align their global view of packaging compliance with the specific elements of Australian
reporting requirements.
DELL Australia and our advisors aim to hold regular quarterly meetings where we will progress the
actions we have listed in the Action Plan as an ongoing project. The team will endeavour to have a timely
implementation of the Action Plan and will ensure data is stored in an auditable manner in our in-house
APC audit database. Our aim is to store all documents electronically in a secure central location in a
SharePoint repository.
Dell will also continue to ensure our suppliers assist in the implementation of this action plan based on
our current strict procurement process. Members of our key suppliers currently meet the Dell packaging
staff on a regular basis and are directly involved in the evaluation of new packaging materials, sustainable
packaging initiatives etc. Our compostable bamboo packaging is just one example of how we have
worked with suppliers in developing sustainable packaging.
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5.
Schedule for packaging reviews
DELL Australia have identified that our product line is the most appropriate method to review packaging.
We have allocated the staff, time and systems necessary to ensure this is carried out on an ongoing basis
through continuous product development protocols.
5.1 Types of Packaging Used
Our relationship with packaging:
1. DELL supply seven types of material, with many sub groups in each e.g. seven types of plastic
within the plastic range;
2. DELL has used many stringent reporting requirements with our suppliers to ensure we are dealing
with only the most sustainable of companies;
3. DELL is constantly comparing our baseline data to industry benchmarks and best practice
globally.
5.2 Timetable for Review
An initial review of our key product was carried out as part of the preparation of this Action Plan. On the
basis of this initial review, DELL Australia has determined the following target Timetable for Review:
% of Product Lines Reviewed
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Review Period:
Existing
New
1/4/2011 – 31/3/2012
20%
20%
1/4/2012 – 31/3/2015
100%
100%
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6.action plan
6.1
Introduction
Our APC team has worked collectively to review existing systems and procedures to assist in the
development of a baseline for Action Plan indicators, and also to identify any gaps that exist in current
reporting systems. This has provided a list of actions for the implementation of the Plan over the next
twelve months and the lifetime of this Plan. These are set out below and are not exhaustive as many of
the APC goals are already addressed through current systems within DELL - our sustainable packaging
designing program of 3C’s – Cube, content and Curbside.
Our action plan is split to show the actions we will take under the three main headings:
• Design;
• Recycling; and
• Product Stewardship
A summary of the actions is also provided in the Action Plan Tables section.
6.2 Design
Dell Packaging Engineering is actively involved with reducing the packaging in all areas of the company’s
business. These include our mainstream products such as notebooks, desktops, servers and storage
systems. In addition Dell’s packaging procurement guidelines also apply for monitors, printers, accessories,
software & peripherals, service, and packaging of inbound material from suppliers.
The company has an active development program in Materials Research and Packaging Design to
advance sustainable packaging. Dell provides practical, innovative packaging solutions that minimise
impacts on the planet and make it easy for customers to do the same. Always striving to find a better
way, we have created a metric for packaging improvement which we will aim to apply to our Australian
operations packaging over the course of the Australian Packaging Covenant.
Dell designs and engineers its products and packaging to prevent pollution and conserve natural resources
throughout the system’s life cycle. We work with the best available suppliers and processes so we can
to ensure a stable packaging product that will first protect the shipment, and second do so in the most
environmentally responsible way without impacting the overall customer experience.
Dell Worldwide Packaging and procurement Director is responsible for the packaging design process
and decisions for advancing the introduction of sustainable packaging materials. We believe this global
approach will run complimentary to the requirements under the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines.
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6.2.1
Covenant Goals
For DELL the goal is to look at optimising packaging to use resources efficiently and reduce environmental
impact without compromising product quality and safety. In order to do this, DELL has committed
to review existing procedures for new packaging design or procurement to ensure these cover the
requirements of the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines.
6.2.2Outcome
The outcome should be packaging designed to:
• Avoid or minimise the use of materials and other resources;
• Optimise recyclability and recycled content; and
• Reduce litter impacts.
6.2.3
Key Performance Indicator
The Key Performance Indicator for design will be evidence that DELL is implementing the Sustainable
Packaging Guidelines (SPG) for design and procurement of packaging.
6.2.4
Current and Planned Actions
DELL has commenced the review of all packaging using the SPG guidelines.
DELL has determined that it will take twelve months (to April 2012) to review 20% of all current products
and 20% of new products using the SPG guidelines. Based on the results of this exercise, DELL will
implement a program over the next four years to review all products.
DELL Australia has integrated third party consulting, and training to this project so every member of our
team is fully resourced to carry out the tasks required. This aids with the development of our team and
procedures, and backing documentation.
The reviews of the packaging on our selected product lines will be carried out between April 2011 and
March 2012, and all 63 questions will be documented for each line of business on mainstream product. A
full audit trail will be available for both compliance and substantive audits.
DELL currently has a range of equivalent processes to address issues raised in the SPG guidelines
Of these, the main initiative that can be directly compared to the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines as a
replacement / current initiative that is achieving the goals of the SPG is a programme under the title “The
Three C’s of Smart Packaging”
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DELL AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED | APC ACTION PLAN | 2010 - 2015
The power to do more
The Three C’s of Smart Packaging
Dell is implementing a plan to simplify and revolutionise computer packaging that will result in estimated
savings of more than $8 million and the elimination of approximately 20 million pounds (10,000 tons) of
packaging materials from 2008 through 2012.
Our Dell Packaging engineering team continuously develops and reviews improved packing methods that
use the least amount of packaging material possible, while still protecting product shipments. We want to
lead the industry in this area — creating a metric where one doesn’t currently exist. We have a deliberate
and innovative strategy to increase the sustainability of our packaging. We call it the Three C’s:
Cube — How big is the box? Could it be smaller?
Content — What is the packaging made of? Could it be made of something better?
Curb — Is it easily recycled?
In December 2008, we committed to eliminating 20 million pounds of packaging by 2012. We plan to do
this by:
• Shrinking packaging volume by 10 percent (cube);
• Increasing to 40 percent the amount of recycled content in packaging (content); and
• Increasing to 75 percent the amount of materials in packaging to be curbside recyclable (curb).
We have already made great progress toward our commitment. We’ve reduced packaging volume by over
13 percent, surpassing the original goal of a 10 percent reduction. So far, we have increased the amount
of recycled content in packaging by approximately 33 percent (94 percent of the way there). We have
increased the amount of materials in packaging to be curbside recyclable to 57 percent. These dedicated
efforts have already resulted in eliminating over 8.7 million pounds of packaging.
Going forward, as part of our review of the SPG guidelines, each current standard will be referenced
against the SPG guidelines where we believe it has provided coverage for a particular requirement raised in
the review.
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DELL AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED | APC ACTION PLAN | 2010 - 2015
The power to do more
1
Strategy
Yes
Maximise water and energy efficiency
Yes
No
Document
Copy on
APC file
Energy Efficiency
Yes (CR Report &
Corporate
Dell Earth
Websites & Action
Plan references
2
Minimise materials
Yes
Greener Products
and Packaging
As Above
3
Use recycled materials
Yes
Greener Products
and Packaging
As Above
CR Report
18
4
Use renewable materials
Yes
Greener Products
and Packaging
As Above
5
Minimise risks from Rohs
Yes
Chemical Use
Policy
As Above
6
Use materials from responsible
suppliers
Yes
As Above
Supplier
Responsibility
Supplier
Standards
Supplier Principles
7
Design for Transport
Yes
CR Report
As Above
8
Design for reuse
Yes
CR Report
As Above
9
Design for recovery
Yes
Greener Products
and Packaging
As Above
10
Design for litter reduction
Yes
Greener Products
and Packaging
As Above
11
Design for consumer accessibility
Yes
Measure
Corporate
Responsibility
As Above
12
Provide consumer information
Yes
CR Report
As Above
DELL AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED | APC ACTION PLAN | 2010 - 2015
The power to do more
6.3 Recycling
6.3.1
Covenant Goals
For DELL Australia the goal for recycling is to make a contribution to improved recovery of packaging by
having on-site recovery systems for recycling of used packaging and, to consider a policy to purchase
products with a recycled material content.
Dell designs all packaging so that it can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. This includes
choosing of materials that can be easily accepted for recycling in most of the communities, properly
labelling packaging to educate consumers for responsible recycling, marking plastics packaging using SPI
plastics code to aid recovery and sorting.
6.3.2Outcome
The outcome should be:
• Improved recovery of recycled materials from the premises of DELL Australia.
6.3.3
Key Performance Indicator
The Key performance indicator for recycling will be evidence that DELL Australia is implementing the onsite recovery of packaging through documentation provided from our contracted waste managers.
6.3.4
Current and Planned Actions
DELL has commenced the review of all on-site waste management practices in relation to our in-house
waste, and has also continued to look at buy recycled as part of our general purchasing practices.
6.3.4.1In-house Recycling
DELL Australia encourages recycling in all its offices and has provided for separate recycling receptacles.
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DELL AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED | APC ACTION PLAN | 2010 - 2015
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6.4 Product Stewardship
6.4.1
Covenant Goals
The goal for Product Stewardship is that DELL show a demonstrated commitment to product stewardship
through working with third parties.
6.4.2Outcome
The outcome should be:
• To improve the design and recycling of packaging; and
• Reduce the overall level of litter created by packaging.
6.4.3
Key Performance Indicators
The key performance indicators for product stewardship are;
• Have formalised procedures in place to work with others to improve design and recycling of
packaging;
• To engage in other initiatives that show product stewardship such as education, sponsorship of
initiatives etc; and
• To reduce the occurrence of litter in their operations and encourage clients to properly dispose of
the packaging of products to remove them from the litter stream.
DELL Australia is committed to the principle of Product Stewardship at all stages in the life of our products,
including the packaging chain.
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6.5 Action Plan Tables
6.5.1 Design
21
Covenant Goal
Actions
Responsibility
1. Design - optimise
packaging to achieve
resource efficiency and
reduction in quantity
required. The design
efforts should reduce
environmental impact
without compromising
product quality and safety.
Prepare gap analysis between
existing environmental and
product development systems/
standards and SPG to ensure
SPG implemented:
APC Team
Targets
Timeline
April 2015
- Review existing products to
ensure they meet SPG guidelines
20% reviewed
31st March 2012
- Review new products to ensure
they meet SPG guidelines
20% reviewed
31st March 2012
- Implement changes from initial
review which ends April 2012 to
ensure all products meet SPG
requirements
100% products
31st March 2015
- Implement adequate audit
procedures and tools to record
the results of the SPG reviews.
Implement
system to
record SPG
reviews and
links to other
standards
December 2012
DELL AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED | APC ACTION PLAN | 2010 - 2015
The power to do more
6.5.2 Recycling
Covenant Goal
Actions
Responsibility
2. Recycling - Improved
recovery of packaging by
having on-site recovery
systems for recycling of
used packaging and,
to consider a policy to
purchase products with a
recycled material content.
Review and implement improved
on-site recycling and buy recycled
policies:
APC Team
- Document baseline recycling
information for on-site packaging
waste
Targets
Timeline
April 2015
Baseline data
31st March 2012
- Report annually on recycling of
on-site packaging waste
June 2012 –
June 2015
- Review existing Buy Recycled
policy and see if improvements
need to be made
31st March 2012
Baseline data
- Document recycling information
for office waste recycling where
possible
- Identify opportunities for
improvements in Buy Recycled
quantities
December 2013
April 2015
6.5.3 Product Stewardship
22
Covenant Goal
Actions
Responsibility
3. Product Stewardship
- Show a demonstrated
commitment to product
stewardship through
working with third parties
Review inhouse Sustainable
Packaging Guidelines to try to
extend this to include packaging.
APC Team
Targets
Timeline
31st March 2012
Develop plan to implement
changes identified in existing
policies
April 2012
Provide information to customers
to promote recycling.
December 2012
DELL AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED | APC ACTION PLAN | 2010 - 2015