Dell to cut packaging 10 percent, save $8 million

Dell said the initiative is part of a goal announced in 2007 to reduce the company's carbon emissions and will ultimately eliminate about 20 million pounds, or 10 percent, of packing material used to ship desktops and laptops.

The company said it is also using more recycled waste as shipping material, estimating that over the next year it will convert almost two million milk jugs into cushioning for its Studio Hybrid desktop. In all, Dell expects to use 33 million milk containers for packaging in 2009.

The company said its goal is to increase "sustainable content" in its packaging by 40 percent and make sure 75 percent of the components are recyclable by 2012.

"We're challenging every technology company to join us in implementing a global green packaging strategy," said Tod Arbogast, Dell's sustainability chief. "In doing so, we will drive extraordinary environmental and cost savings for our businesses and customers while setting a new efficiency model for other industries to follow."

Dell also introduced Tuesday its Dell Greenprint Advisor, a free online reference for other companies looking for advice on reducing their environmental footprint.