Nov. 4, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Sprint (NYSE:S), recently ranked highest among all telecom companies at #15 on Newsweek’s Green Rankings, today announced the launch of redesigned, environmentally friendly packaging for its extensive wireless accessory line. Beginning this month, accessories sold at Sprint retail stores and online at www.sprint.com will be packaged within a fully recyclable casing that is 20 to 40 percent smaller than previous accessory packaging – which Sprint estimates will save 647 tons of waste annually. The new accessory packaging is expected to result in a 35% reduction in accessory packaging costs generating an annualized savings for Sprint of approximately $2.1 million.

Additional highlights of Sprint’s new accessory packaging include:

• The packaging clamshell replaces PVC with PET 1, a more recyclable and environmentally friendly material.
• Soy and vegetable-based inks replace petroleum-based ink, exceeding the American Soybean Association SoySeal Standards and reducing the level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• The paperboard is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and – ensuring that the paper travels from an FSC-certified forest to a paper manufacturer, merchant, and printer, all of whom have FSC “chain-of-custody” certification. This process promotes conservation and responsible management of forests.

“Sprint is proud to launch more sustainable packaging for our accessories,” said Ralph Reid, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility for Sprint.