At Juniper Networks, we recognize the urgent need for action when it comes to the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. The staggering statistics speak for themselves: 99% of plastic is derived from fossil fuels, a whopping 400 million tons of plastic waste is generated globally each year, yet less than 10% is recycled. In light of these challenges, Juniper is committed to reducing our plastic usage across our operations and our supply chain.
We’re proud to share that we’ve already seen a reduction of more than 130,000 lbs. of plastic use in our product packaging between 2022 and 2023. Of course, we are not stopping there, as there’s more work to be done. Juniper is taking a proactive approach to solving the problem, initiating several impactful measures to form and then achieve our ongoing plastic reduction goals:
- To mark Plastic Free July, we are eliminating plastic to-go food containers, cups, and single-use bottles at our Sunnyvale headquarters; this will become the standard moving forward. Instead, we are embracing aluminum cans and other non-plastic materials, paving the way for a plastic-free future in our food services program.
- We’ve set a target to decrease the use of new plastic in our packaging to less than 15% of overall plastic by the end of 2024, down from 37% in 2022.
- We’ve set another ambitious goal to strive to achieve a 40% reduction in total plastic use for Juniper product packaging by 2025, compared to the2022 baseline.
- We have successfully launched 10 New Product Introduction (NPI) programs featuring sustainable packaging. Collaborating closely with our esteemed packaging suppliers, Juniper is exploring innovative paper- and fiber-based alternatives that significantly reduce plastic usage while still providing sufficient protection for our products.
- By the end of 2024, Juniper will have transitioned at least five of our legacy products to sustainable packaging.
- Through meticulous engineering, we have eliminated plastic packaging for 147 accessory parts, avoiding an impressive 19,000 lbs. of plastic waste.
While acknowledging the challenges inherent in reducing the use of single-use and virgin plastic products, such as increased cost, supply risk, increased weight, and therefore, increased carbon emissions from logistics, Juniper remains committed to reducing plastic use. We understand the importance of reducing carbon emissions and plastic utilization to improve preservation of the environment. To further propel these efforts, we are also exploring the incorporation of bamboo- and paper-based solutions to create lighter packaging materials. We aim to transition our flagship optics products to sustainable packaging while expanding our search for more sustainable bulk packaging options for access points (APs) and optics.
Our dedication to reducing plastic packaging pollution and contributing to circularity is part of a broader sustainability initiative that includes reducing our carbon footprint and supporting power efficiency and savings in our products. We lead by example and call upon the industry to embrace sustainable practices and join us in championing change. It is our firm belief that by working together, we can combat the severe consequences of plastic pollution and safeguard our planet for future generations.
We’re proud of our efforts and invite you to join us in our mission to create a sustainable future through responsible plastic usage. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
Watch our LinkedIn Live fireside chat with the Aston Martin Aramco F1® Team to learn more about our initiatives to reduce plastic in operations.
