Building on its commitment toward a "design for sustainability," computer auxiliary and software producer Logitech International has, among other things, increasingly turned to the use of post-consumer plastics in various of its well-known product lines.
The PCR program launched three years ago. By the end of 2021, the company will have shipped more than 50 million devices made with post-consumer plastic. Additionally, more than 50 percent of the computer mouse devices and keyboards produced in its creativity and productivity business, the company’s largest portfolio, will incorporate PCR plastic, in line with its aim to focus on using recycled plastic in products that account for the most units sold globally. This alone will eliminate an estimated 7,100 metric tons of virgin plastic and 11,000 tonnes of carbon per year.
“The top area where we can make a significant and long-term impact to reduce carbon is by applying our design for sustainability principles across the product development process,” said Prakash Arunkundrum, global head of operations and sustainability at Logitech. “Since plastic is one of the most used materials at Logitech, we’re investing in the circular economy by recycling and reusing consumer products to push the limits of what is currently possible for recycled plastic.”
The company’s latest product made with PCR plastic is the new Ergo M575 mouse, with a graphite color containing 50 percent recycled plastic while an off-white one contains 21 percent recycled plastic. Starting with this mouse, the PCR content of each product will be validated by independent, third-party experts and tshared on the company’s website.
The percentage of recycled plastic in each product will vary depending on the type, color and material make up of a product. The percentage of PCR used currently ranges a minimum of 20 percent for technically complex, light-colored products and up to up to 80 percent for other parts.
Logitech says its design goal is to continue to maximisz the percentage of recycled content in each product.
Logitech is also working with plastic suppliers to design new and stronger resins in a range of new colors, expanding on what is possible today. The company is also working with external partners to develop a roadmap of sustainable materials for the future, as well as sustainable packaging advancements.