Tech manufacturers, including Dell and Lenovo, pivot to eco-friendly strategies, capitalising on the rising tide of electronic waste
Is the surge in electronic waste an environmental crisis or a business opportunity? According to leading technology manufacturers, it's both. They believe that the mounting issue of e-waste offers a unique chance for the industry, consumers, and the public to work together to tackle the problem.
Dell Technologies' Experience Innovation Group, Nick Abbatiello, highlighted the company's pioneering closed-loop strategies that recycle materials from outdated technology and craft innovative products. Lenovo, a global tech heavyweight, produces everything from PCs to wearables and champions the circular economy concept by managing redundant IT assets through its Lenovo Asset Recovery Services.
For Rohit Midha, Lenovo India's Director for Solutions and Services Group, the solution lies in selecting the right disposal partner who grasps the intricacies of e-waste management, offering recycling and remarketing options throughout India.
Lenovo showcases its eco-centric initiatives: sustainable product designs incorporating recycled material, biodegradable packaging, and energy-efficient products. Their retirement strategies for assets are equally eco-friendly, aiming to balance the company's carbon footprint.
Dell is equally ambitious, setting clear goals for 2030 that encompass the entire product lifecycle—from conceptualisation to recycling. The company acknowledges the crucial role of consumers in this journey and offers numerous channels to recycle old electronics, simplifying e-waste reduction for its user base.
By 2025-26, Lenovo aims to recycle and reuse an impressive 362,874 MT of products and have 84% of repairs occur onsite, eliminating the need for shipping to service centres. Their dedication is evident, with nearly 300 of their products in India already containing recycled components.