Verizon is one of the largest communication technology companies in the world offering voice, data and video services. In 2021 they launched a new range of own-brand mobile phone accessories with upgraded materials and improved sustainability.

Redesigned structural packaging offered better product protection, an enhanced unboxing experience with an inner product tray as well as sustainability improvements by reducing size, using 100% consumer waste material and the complete removal of plastic. Independent analysis showed a 22% reduction in CO2e compared to previous packaging designs.

Verizon is one of the largest communication technology companies in the world offering voice, data and video services on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers' demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

In 2021 Verizon launched a new range of own-brand mobile phone accessories with upgraded materials and improved sustainability. The packaging for the new range needed to address customer and retail staff feedback on the previous designs and to improve the sustainability and accessibility of the packaging.

The design team worked with Giraffe Innovation to establish the carbon footprint of every component within the existing packaging range, covering materials, design, manufacture and shipping. This analysis identified opportunities to make carbon footprint savings if the package sizes were reduced significantly and all plastic components were removed. As part of the size reduction exercise, fold-up cardboard hangers were created to allow the package to be shipped in the smallest form possible with the hanger being flipped up for use in retail environments if needed thus reducing shipping sizes and emissions.

The redesigned structural packaging provided better product protection and an enhanced unboxing experience due to the inclusion of a slide-out inner product tray. The improved structures are made from certified responsibly sourced 100% post consumer waste recycled material and printed with vegetable / soy based inks. The packages are 100% recyclable and are plastic free carrying Verizon's 100% Ready to Recycle messaging.

Tear-strip openings were added instead of plastic tamper seals to improve accessibility and security. Physical cut-outs replaced plastic windows and all plastic product wrappings were switched to paper.

A fresh graphic approach was taken with large vertical text for product names allowing easy visual identification in busy retail environments. Product features are called out in silver ink and informative photography is used so there is no need for customers to open boxes in the retail environment.

Analysis of the final designs by Giraffe Innovation showed that the new packaging achieved a 22% reduction in CO2e compared to previous packaging.