Texas Instruments

2008 Corporate Citizenship Report

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Corporate Citizenship Report

Responsible packaging and labeling

Green box with chips insideAccurate product labeling and responsible packaging are critical for timely distribution to customers and to comply with international shipping regulations.

During the past decade, TI significantly reduced the amount of packing materials we use, which resulted in lower shipping weights, reduced shipping costs and lower fuel consumption, as well as reduced waste. Additionally, we reuse our own packaging materials whenever possible.
Semiconductors
Although we don't currently track greenhouse gas emissions related to global product shipments, we do systematically review the packing material used to transport semiconductor chips between our manufacturing locations and our customers. Additionally, TI:
  • Ships Pb-free products using packing labels that meet standards set by the Joint Electronic Device Engineering Council.
  • Provides the necessary information to comply with China RoHS requirements when applicable.
  • Uses a chasing arrow symbol on product labels to clarify for customers whether it contains RoHS materials above the maximum concentrations value.
  • Ships DLP® products to customers in nontoxic, reusable plastic packages. These are reused continuously and eventually recycled.
  • Uses the Multipak reusable packing system, primarily in Japan. After receiving an order, the customer returns the entire package (box and shipping materials) to a third party, which certifies the packing for reuse. With Multipak, we are able to reuse 100 percent of the shipping container and internal packing materials. If the materials do not pass inspection, they are recycled.
Education Technology
TI faces the challenge of protecting Education Technology (ET) products throughout their transport and display in retail stores, while finding a more environmentally responsible alternative to the plastic or vinyl packaging that currently contains them. TI is not isolated in this search; the entire packaging industry is working to identify safe and reliable packaging solutions. In the interim, we are evaluating alternative packaging that can meet shipment needs.

Many European countries recycle the packaging used to display TI's handheld educational devices under the Green Dot program. A green dot indicates that the packaging is part of a privately organized recycling system and that corresponding expenses have been paid. TI continued our involvement in the Green Dot program in 2008.