Having announced aggressive targets for recyclable and/or renewable packaging of new products two years ago, Shure claims its goal to convert to 75 per cent by 2023 has been achieved and that the company is on track to grow to 90 per cent by 2025 and 100 per cent by 2030 for new packaging. The goal for existing product packaging in 2025 is 75 per cent recyclable and/or renewable.
As part of ongoing environmental improvement efforts, Shure is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. With more than 1,500 different packaging pieces for a variety of different products, converting to sustainable packaging is a significant undertaking, especially for high-performance electronic equipment which is shipped to various locations globally to reach customers all over the world. Key sustainable packaging initiatives include replacing thermoform trays with recyclable alternatives such as moulded pulp, reducing overall plastic materials in packaging and the amount of literature that accompanies the products, and right-sizing packaging for greater efficiency and reduced carbon footprint from shipping and storage.
Shure manufacturing plants operate robust recycling programmes for cardboard boxes and wooden pallets, keeping literally ‘tons’ of cardboard waste and nearly 5,000 wooden pallets away from landfill. Shure works with suppliers who take action on sustainability, including suppliers who use solar power and recycled water in their operations.
In addition to packaging, Shure products themselves are designed with sustainability in mind.
By 2027, more than 100 million AA batteries will have been saved from landfill because of Shure rechargeable batteries. The number is based on data calculations from customers worldwide in music production, theatre, touring, education, business, government and houses of worship.
Shure was the first company to offer intelligent lithium-ion batteries for wireless microphones nearly a decade ago, leading sound production towards more environmentally friendly operation. Concert halls, arenas, theatres, meeting rooms, houses of worship, schools and others are rapidly adopting rechargeable technology.
One Broadway show alone saved more than 21,000 AA batteries from being disposed of in landfill because they used Shure’s rechargeable system over the course of the run. In the past five years, Shure estimates that it has eliminated nearly 30 million AA batteries from ending up in landfill.
The company has also engineered its products to help with overall power consumption, using less energy in ‘down’ modes and allowing remote monitoring of power use with Wireless Workbench Software. A cross-functional Shure team regularly reviews international regulations, directives, and standards to ensure environmental compliance with regulations like RoHS, REACH, and WEEE. The nature of these regulations promotes sustainable electronics and electronics manufacturing.
‘Green isn’t just in our logo, it’s part of who we are,’ says Shure President and CEO, Chris Schyvinck. ‘We are committed to being environmentally responsible with our people, our products, our facilities and our communities.’
See also:
Focusrite secures Ecologi For Our Planet Gold Award
More: www.shure.com
