Skullcandy commits to 100% recyclable packaging by the end of the year

Skullcandy HQ in Kimball Junction. Photo: TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah — Skullcandy, the No. 1 selling brand in stereo headphones under $100, has committed to exclusively utilizing 100% recyclable packaging by the end of 2021.

“Skullcandy was born in the mountains of Park City and a passion for the environment is woven through every fiber of our DNA. We have a responsibility to limit our impact so future generations can enjoy the outdoors in the same ways we do,” said Jessica Klodnicki, chief marketing officer at Skullcandy. “Skullcandy is proud to be taking actionable steps towards reducing our carbon footprint, not only by keeping returned products out of landfills and shifting to 100% recyclable packaging, but through our manufacturing process while also supporting climate advocacy and empowering our consumers to do their part.”

Part of this effort includes reducing packaging size in order to reduce material usage and transportation impact. Wherever possible, the use of plastic is being reduced or completely eliminated, and by 2023, Skullcandy will shift to solely utilizing FSC certified paper products.

Other efforts Skullcandy has made to reduce its environmental impact include:

• Conducting Product Lifecycle Analysis – A partnership with EcoChain, an environmental intelligence platform based in the Netherlands, has helped Skullcandy analyze the carbon footprint of every product it manufactures. As a result, the brand will inform future design decisions and material choices to try to reduce its impact. The first of such products are the recently launched Dime True Wireless Earbuds, which boast half the carbon footprint of most other true wireless products, primarily due to a reduced battery size.
• Committing to a Lean, Green Manufacturing Process – Skullcandy has reduced labor, materials, energy usage and waste by setting up its production to have the least environmental impact possible.
• Empowering and Incentivizing Customers –
  • Recycling Program – Skullcandy has made it easy for customers to do their part. Any brand of old headphones or earbuds can be sent to Skullcandy for proper recycling. Customers can also opt to recycle products themselves via a local recycling center or Best Buy, or if they are still functional, donate them to a Salvation Army or Goodwill – all they have to do is snap a selfie as proof of the good deed. In exchange, Skullcandy will provide a 30% off coupon, good for an entire order on Skullcandy.com.
  • Carbon Checkout Program – When customers make a purchase on Skullcandy.com, they can opt to make their order carbon neutral by adding a minimal upcharge to their total. Skullcandy’s partner, Carbon Checkout, then directs the funds to invest in renewable energy projects to offset global CO2 emissions.
• Advocating for Change – Skullcandy will continue to use its communication platforms and influence as a leader in the audio space to advocate for change. The brand supports and provides financial donations to Protect Our Winters, using its digital reach and brand ambassadors to educate consumers on climate issues, while also leveraging its local and national strength for political advocacy.

The brand was recognized with a Circular Economy Innovation Award from Best Buy Canada for its waste reduction measures. These efforts and others also led to Skullcandy earning a 2021 BIG Sustainability Award, which recognizes brands who have made sustainability an integral part of their business.