AT&T to introduce plant-based plastic in accessory packaging

AT&T announced plans to introduce new plastic in AT&T-branded accessory packaging, which is composed of up to 30% plant-based materials sourced from ethanol harvested from natural sugarcane. The sugarcane is a rapidly renewable agricultural crop and replaces nearly a third of the fossil fuels traditionally used in this accessory packaging with material made from plants.

The adoption of the new plastic is part of AT&T's broader overall commitment to minimize its environmental impact. In March of 2010 the company announced its plans to slim down their accessory packaging; in 2010 and 2011, the company eliminated the use of over 500 tons of paper and plastic in that packaging.

Customers can expect to see the transition to the new packaging in stores and online starting October 2, 2011. The plastic will be used in packaging for AT&T-branded wireless accessories, which includes most device cases and power accessories.

As a company we are committed to minimizing the environmental impact, and we see the introduction of this plant-based plastic as an important step in the right direction" said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president for devices, AT&T. "We are excited to be the first US telecom company to use this plastic in our packaging and we hope other companies will join us in finding ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We are actively working with our accessory suppliers to incorporate both less packaging and more sustainable plastic and paper."