In the pursuit of the European Green Deal, the circular economy plays a vital role. However, progress in achieving circular material use has been slow, with recent years even witnessing a decline. The linear consumption of IT products contributes to significant waste generation, but adopting a circular approach to their use presents a viable and sustainable solution.
Transitioning from a linear economy to a circular one involves developing business models that prioritize product and material reuse and recycling. Embracing a circular economy is crucial for fostering sustainable economic growth while addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. The substantial waste generated by our use of IT products can be mitigated by implementing circular practices, resulting in significant sustainability benefits.
According to Eurostat data from 2021, the average circular material use in the EU stands at less than 12 percent, with the Netherlands leading at 34 percent. However, the EU's goal of achieving a 65 percent collection rate for electrical and electronic equipment waste has fallen short, with the current average hovering around 40 percent. Regardless of individual country variations, extensive efforts are needed to drive progress.
Iegor Trieshchov, Project Manager Circular IT Solutions at Aliter Networks, emphasizes that the manufacturing phase of a notebook is responsible for over 80 percent of its lifecycle climate emissions. To reduce emissions, whether purchasing or renting IT products, the key is to extend their usage lifespan. Andreas Nobell, Development Manager at TCO Development, suggests that instead of storing used computers, organizations should sell them to refurbishment or remanufacturing firms to enable circular practices and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling should be the last resort.
To promote responsible consumption of electronic goods, the Circular Electronics Initiative, consisting of 28 organizations, encourages both organizations and consumers to adopt a sustainable approach. Here are three strategies for using IT products more sustainably:
▲ Choose durable and repairable products designed for long-term use, ensuring they meet credible sustainability certifications.
▲ Extend the usage lifespan of products. For example, consider using a product for at least four or five years instead of the typical three years. Refurbished or remanufactured products are excellent choices from an emissions reduction standpoint.
▲ Participate in the circular economy by reselling used IT products to refurbishment or remanufacturing firms. When products reach the end of their usable life, responsibly hand them over to recycling facilities.
By embracing these strategies and adopting a circular approach to IT product usage, we can drive sustainable change and pave the way for a greener future.
