AT&T is digging in behind its February promise of eco-ratings for phones sold with the carrier's service with the sale of the Pantech Renue.
The Renue is built from 67 percent recyclable components, and its packaging is constructed from 95 percent recycled paper and printed with soy ink, which isn't a petroleum industry byproduct. The onboard power-saving app is another nod to Earth's resources. In addition, the Renue has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a 3.2-inch touch screen, and a 3-megapixel camera. It costs $69.99 with a new two-year service agreement.
AT&T's environmental thrust comes after the carrier's surveys found that "more than 6 in 10 Americans said they would consider an eco-rating in their purchasing decision, all other things being equal." Starting July 30, AT&T says, it will release eco-rating labels on postpaid handset devices, and on 14 existing cell phones.
The eco-rating system pertains to hazardous materials like certain chemicals, environmentally preferable materials like recycled paper and soy ink, energy efficiency, "responsible end-of-life treatment," and "environmentally-responsible manufacturing."
The Samsung Galaxy Exhilarate, which was announced at CES 2012, was the first of AT&T's phones to arrive with the new cardboard packaging. The box is certified environmentally preferable, but there are no other ratings indications.
