Cardboard instead of plastic: Universal Electronics opts for sustainable packaging

Almost a third of all remote controls sold worldwide come from Universal Electronics (UEI). Looking to make electronics retail more sustainable, the global player has traded plastic packaging for cardboard.

Alongside Dutch partner Vlastuin, STI Group has developed a new sustainable packaging solution for UEI’s One For All range of remotes. Purely paper-based, the new packaging significantly lowers material-based CO2 emissions; for example, the solution for the popular Evolve remote reduces its CO2 by 24%.

The new eco-pouch packaging isn’t just about reducing greenhouse gases; in 2020 alone, STI Group and Vlastuin saved over 20 tonnes of plastic across just three One For All products.

Sustainable packaging relaunch
As the remote controls are produced in Asia, local expertise in sustainable packaging is needed – which is provided by STI Group's branches in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. From here, an international team of packaging experts develops, optimises and produces the sustainable packaging solutions in close coordination with manufacturer.

No compromises were made with this packaging relaunch. Appearance, consumer appeal and, of course, product protection all remain key priorities. ‘Protection is always a particular challenge for technical devices with delicate surfaces,’ says Dominik Hofer, head of STI Group’s Hong Kong and Shenzhen branches. ‘Inside the old plastic blister packs, each remote control was protected from scratches by a thin plastic bag. We swapped this bag for tissue paper wrapping, fixed with a paper sticker, for a totally plastic-free solution that ensures the products still reach consumers in pristine condition.’

The two-part outer construction further protects these sensitive products from shocks during transport.

Image change for electronics sector
Bold colours, high-quality product images and an appealing opening device make this new packaging range particularly attractive to conscious electronics consumers. This delivers against another prime objective for UEI: communicating to consumers its commitment to environmental and climate protection.

‘Already, 70% of the packaging that Universal Electronics produces with STI Group is based on cardboard instead of plastic. This is unique in the electronics accessories market, and offers the One for All brand a real point of difference,’ says STI Group CEO Jakob Rinninger. ‘This relaunch is another great example of how our global network can support customers in developing truly sustainable packaging. As a company, we too strive to minimise our carbon footprint, with the ultimate goal of net zero emissions.’

STI Group supports the transition to a sustainable circular economy by developing forward-looking products made from renewable materials.