Dell announces green targets

A leading computer manufacturer has revealed plans to make the packaging of its desktop and laptop systems more environmentally friendly.

Dell hopes to cut packaging materials used on the computers by approximately ten per cent worldwide, while also ensuring that 75 per cent components used are recyclable by 2012.

Ideas set to be used by the company include High-Density Polyethylene, more commonly used to create plastic milk bottles, in the systems.

Tod Arbogast, director of sustainable business at Dell, said the firm was "challenging every technology company" to use a similar strategy.

He added: "We will drive extraordinary environmental and cost savings for our businesses and customers while setting a new efficiency model for other industries to follow."

Last week, Hewlett Packard announced plans to launch long-life batteries for its laptops at the start of next year.

The company is to offer Sonata batteries, created by Boston Power, through a scheme which will see users given an upgrade every three years.