Sandra Vogel, ITPro.com, September 3, 2024
A model based around reusing rather than replacing tech could cut any business’s costs and emissions – but the tech sector stands to benefit especially well
As we all become more aware of the climate crisis and as consumers increasingly move toward upcycling and reuse, the circular economy is gaining popularity.
It’s a simple concept that can go a long way: emphasizing the reuse and recycling of products, components, or individual materials within hardware. The tech sector relies on a vast array of devices – that often come with a steep upfront cost – and reducing waste here can cut costs and reduce the environmental impact of the whole industry.
There’s great potential for the circular economy in the tech sector but leaders need to know how exactly it can benefit them before they begin upending their existing system of business.
Making the case for the circular economy in tech
In its most straightforward terms, the circular economy is focused on replacing a linear model, in which items are used and then thrown away, with a model where useful items are reused and those that no longer work are disassembled to extract key parts.
Repair and recycling form the backbone of the circular economy, with the exact balance of the two varying depending on the condition of each product.
This overlaps with the idea of the ‘right to repair’, which can be found in UK and EU legislation and aims to improve the lifespan of consumer electronic devices by forcing manufacturers to provide spare parts and readily provide repair instructions. But where right-to-repair steps in for consumers, the circular economy aims to overhaul an enterprise’s entire supply chain and purchasing strategy to reduce waste.
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Learn more about Onepak’s commitment to creating a circular economy in tech, visit our sustainability page.
