At the start of the year Belkin made the announcement that they had determined a way forward for their products that would allow them to move away from “virgin” plastics in packaging and products but that it would be a journey for the company as they ensure their power based products were able to be reliable, strong and safe while using post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) in their production.
On face value it might not seem that big of a deal, but when you’re dealing with products that power or charge our lives then it becomes a really important transition that must be done with safety in mind as much as it has to take into consideration the physical appearance and life of the product.
When I visited the Belkin HQ and labs in January, we saw the work being done on the packaging. A move to packaging without plastics again might seem simple, but these things need to both support the product and protect it from outside damage from the factory to your home with all the shipping and retail presentation in between.
Belkin’s latest products are the first examples of plastic-free packaging as well as being made from at least 72% PCR or recycled plastics.
Perhaps as a sign of Australia’s willingness to embrace these kinds of changes, we are the first country in the world to bring these new products to consumers.
The three products launching are the:
- Connect USB-C® to 4-Port USB-C Hub (AVC018),
- BoostCharge 30W Fast Car Charger Bundle and
- Standalone (CCA004) and BoostCharge Power Bank 10K (BPB011).
What’s most amazing is Belkin’s ability to deliver these products with little or no obvious difference from their non-recycled predecessors, something that’s important not just to their engineers, but to the consumers who are making this green leap with Belkin. It means consumers don’t really need to “know” or make a conscious decision to go green, they are simply buying a product that has that ethos built in, from the ground up.
You’ll know you’re getting this new stuff by the labels you will see on packaging such as “Made with Recycled Plastic Products” and “100% Plastic Free Packaging”.
Steve Malony, Belkin’s CEO says “When we think about the difference a company of our size and influence can make on the planet, moving away from using virgin plastics in our products is an obvious decision, and I’m delighted that Australia is the first to launch these milestone products. My recent trip to Australia to mark our 40th anniversary showed me the genuine passion that our team, our retail partners and our consumers have for practical but sustainable options,”
“I am proud to work alongside the teams that made this shared vision a reality. Their dedication to doing the right thing inspires me and together, we will continue to work towards a more sustainable future.”
These products are just the first consumer-facing outcomes from Belkin’s global sustainability efforts. The company is already a signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and has a firm commitment to its 2025 targets which has led to Belkin’s global efforts to “develop packaging that significantly reduces plastic use while increasing the amount of recyclable content and compostable materials.”
Already, that has led to a 56% year on year decrease in plastic use since 2019.
“While we take pride in our achievements and sustainability efforts over the past four decades, we’re always looking ahead, setting new goals, and reaching for higher standards. Our organisation is made up of people who want to leave the planet a better place for our children and future generations. We remain forever and authentically passionate about renewing our commitment to a circular economy and carbon neutrality and continuing our pledge to support the Paris Agreement.” said Steve Malony.
