The way to more sustainable packaging: eco-pouch from STI Group and Vlastuin nominated for Sustainability Award

Packaging for the One For All remote control range has been transformed by specialists STI Group and Vlastuin. A cardboard eco-pouch replaces the plastic blister, making the pack less bulky, lowering its CO2 footprint and reducing plastic waste. The Packaging Europe Sustainability Awards jury was duly impressed, nominating the project in the Driving the Circular Economy category.

Nearly one in three remote controls sold worldwide come from Universal Electronics (UEI). A leader in sustainability, the company is determined to spearhead the adoption of sustainable packaging in the electronics industry.

Seamless sustainability
Thomas Hascher, Product Marketing Manager at Universal Electronics BV, is delighted with this recognition of UEI's aim to have a plastic-free packaging range. For him, one of the biggest advantages of the new pack was that it achieved all the reductions in plastic, CO2 and volume without compromising its impact, branding or logistics.

"We are gradually converting our entire packaging range to sustainable alternatives. Being able to retain our existing logistics processes, while keeping our instore impact just as high – or even higher – is exactly what we had hoped for. This has allowed us to start introducing the eco-pouch into our existing retail space gradually, without fundamentally changing our presentation," explains Hascher. "In fact, by moving away from plastic blisters, this cardboard packaging actually enhances the category's image in our customers’ eyes. This initiative is also welcomed by retailers."

Image change for electronics
Bold colours, high-quality images and a handy opening mechanism give the new packaging range added appeal for conscious electronics shoppers. This helps to meet one of Universal Electronics' main goals: to communicate to shoppers effectively at the point of sale its commitment to environmental and climate protection.

Driving the Circular Economy
Being purely paper-based, the eco-pouch significantly reduces material-related emissions. For the new Evolve remote control alone, the CO2 footprint is 24% lower. The new pack is also fully recyclable, with no material separation needed. Not to mention that in 2020 alone, STI Group and Vlastuin drove down single-use plastic waste by 20 tonnes, across just three of the One for All remote models. 

"Being nominated in the Driving the Circular Economy category is a great recognition of our commitment to drive a sustainable, circular packaging world through innovation," says Jakob Rinninger, CEO of STI Group. "As pioneers in the packaging industry, it’s in our DNA to rethink solutions creatively and set new standards in sustainability. We are pleased that more and more customers are willing to walk this path with us."

Sustainability Award 2021
With a record-breaking 309 entries this year, the Sustainability Awards are more competitive than ever. STI Group and Vlastuin eagerly await this autumn’s FachPack, where they look forward to hearing the Sustainability Awards winners announced on 29 September 2021.