Sprint Redesigns Accessory Packaging for the Eco-Conscious Consumer

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(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.

“Sprint is proud to launch more sustainable packaging for our accessories”

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. “As we introduce greener products like the Samsung Reclaim™ and the SOLIO Charger, it only makes sense to implement more eco-friendly solutions that reduce the environmental impact of Sprint products and packaging.”

Consumers will see the new packaging beginning this month for the following products:

• Samsung Instinct HD Protective Carry Wallet
• Blackberry Tour Holster
• Motorola i856 Holster
• Jabra C150 Behind The Ear Wired Headset
• HTC Hero Silicone Gels
• Samsung Reclaim Clear Ice Phone Cover
• Samsung Instinct HD Gels
• Samsung Intrepid i350 Silicone Gels
• Micro-USB Vehicle Power Charger
• Palm Micro - USB VPA
• Mini USB VPA - Rim 7250/7520/7100i/Ppc6700
• Samsung VPA - M300.M510

In addition to the newly designed accessory packaging, Sprint will begin shipping accessories to customers utilizing a packaging air pillow that contains less resin and is in compliance with ASTM International biodegradable standards – ASTM D5511-02 and ASTM D5338 – that indicate whether a material is compostable. This eco-friendly packaging uses less energy in production, and once disposed, will degrade in a landfill.

Sprint’s eco-friendly Samsung Reclaim recently received the CTIA "Hot for the Holidays 'Hottest in Show Award'" and is available for $49.99 after a $30 instant rebate and a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year Service Agreement. The Reclaim is the first phone in the U.S. constructed partly from corn-based bio-plastic and operates on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network (inclusive of data roaming) that reaches more than 269 million people, 18,652 cities and 1,838 airports. The Sprint Networks (inclusive of data roaming) have more than twice the coverage of AT&T’s current 3G network and 14 times the coverage of T-Mobile’s current 3G network, both based on square miles⁴. Sprint is the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology. Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G¹.

Sprint recently announced several new environmental initiatives to support its aggressive environmental goals. In complement to existing programs, Sprint established new green design criteria for future devices and accessories; added a dedicated display area in stores that highlights Sprint’s commitment to eco-friendly products and accessories; and committed to reduce paper usage by 30 percent during the next five years.

For more information on Sprint programs that protect the environment, go to www.sprint.com/green , or follow @SprintGreenNews on Twitter.

ABOUT SPRINT NEXTEL

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving more than 48 million customers at the end of the third quarter of 2009 and the first and only 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The company’s customer-focused strategy has led to improved first call resolution and customer care satisfaction scores. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

¹“Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Typical published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. 4G currently available in select areas/devices; check Sprint.com/4G for Sprint 4G coverage/device info.

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