Dell XPS M1730

The Dell XPS M1730

Looking at the packaging of the laptop it is possible to make it more recyclable, this can be achieved by using more recyclable materials.

At this time the packaging consists of expanded polyethylene, low-density polyethylene and corrugated cardboard. Of which the cardboard makes up 1.19 kg, the low-density polyethylene makes up 22 g and the expanded polyethylene makes up 320 g of the packaging. (Dell Inc., 2009)

Although the packaging by weight is mostly Cardboard it can still be made ore environmentally friendly by reducing or removing the expanded polyethylene from the packaging.

To lower the impact on the environment, the expanded polyethylene can be replaced by cardboard. These materials can take the form and shape of a carton or moulded pulp cushion to provide impact resistance while ensuring the product remains in place.
By using cardboard-based materials and packaging becomes easier to recycle and improves the chance that the end-user will recycle the packaging as it is often easy for the end-user to reuse or place cardboard in a recycling bin.


A relevant supply chain principle would be planning, by using a different supplier for the packaging to move away from the expanded polyethylene and replace it with moulded pulp cushion which can be recycled with greater ease from a home users curb side collection scheme. It would also benefit to ensure that the packaging is made from recycled materials where possible.
This will alter the packaging available to other models and as such should be integrated with the design principle, maintaining the independence of functional requirements.

A relevant design principle is maintaining the independence of functional requirements. This is achieved by using designing the packaging so that it can easily be used for a variety of laptop models. Such as the Vostro 1720 that shares a 17 inch screen and is only marginally smaller. (Dell Inc., n.d.a; Dell Inc., n.d.b)
By following both the supply chain and design principle it should be possible to reduce the cost in production of packaging by using recycled materials in the production and improve the impact by making it easier for the end user to recycle the packaging.


The following outlines the improvements that could be achieved.
Cardboard is extremely recyclable, on its own it is biodegradable and compostable. Polyethylene on the other hand although recyclable isn’t usually biodegradable, on its own it is not a problem but since many home users will throw away the polyethylene rather than recycle it, the damage to the environment is increased. This could be due to lack of recycling programs in the area or being unaware of what can be recycled. (Recycling Expert, n.d.)
The use of cardboard over a polyethylene increases the environmental friendliness and not only does the process of recycling decrease the amount of energy required to create the product, it also removes the need to harvest more materials. For paper you can save 40% of the energy required to produce the product by using recycled source materials, yet the savings for plastic production from recycled sources is only about 33%.
Since paper is produced from the same materials as cardboard it provides a good standing point for how good an improvement on the environment can be achieved.
Recycling paper will reduce the need for other resources in paper production, for each ton of paper recycled the following does not get used:
Which produces a saving of 40% of the energy used and 95% of the air pollution. (ACR+, n.d.)


Bibliography
ACR+. (n.d.). Recycling - did you know? Retrieved May 16, 2009, from Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and sustainable Resource Management: http://resourcities.acrplus.org/recycling/recycling_did.htm
Dell Inc. (2009, April 8). Retrieved May 16, 2009, from Dell: http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/corporate/environ/comply/xpsnb_m1730.pdf
Dell Inc. (n.d.b). Dell Vostro 1720 Laptop Product Details. Retrieved May 16, 2009, from Dell: http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop-vostro-1720?c=uk&l=en&s=bsd&cs=ukbsdt1
Dell Inc. (n.d.a). XPS M1730 Laptop. Retrieved May 16, 2009, from Dell: http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m1730?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs
Recycling Expert. (n.d.). Recycling Cardboard - Recycling Expert (UK). Retrieved May 16, 2009, from Recycling Expert: http://www.recyclingexpert.co.uk/RecyclingCardboard.html