Dell Technologies : sustainability at the heart of innovation

One’s perspective...

Bénédicte McCoy

Head of ESG France - Dell Technologies

A historic commitment that has become strategic

Sustainability has been an integral part of Dell’s strategy for decades, ever since it blazed the trail back in the 90s with its electronic equipment recycling schemes. This commitment has translated into some major initiatives based on ambitious environmental targets which are monitored over time.

Using recycled and renewable materials, such incorporating ocean plastics into packaging, with the aim of reusing 1.5 million kilos in five years.

Circular product design, with a focus on modularity, repairability and sustainability.

 

Aiming for 100% renewable energy in its global operations by 2040.

Eco-designed packaging: 94% made from recycled or renewable materials.

Tripled the use of recycled plastic since 2020.

 

Circular right from the design stage

The design teams apply the principles of sustainability and robustness, choosing high-quality materials and scalable components to limit obsolescence.

Dell also facilitates repairs and upgrades of its devices in order to extend their useful life. The company uses recycled plastics, including ocean plastics, and recycled metals for manufacturing laptops.

The products are also designed for easy dismantling, so the components can be retrieved at the end of their useful life, which reduces the use of harmful substances.

Sustainable design is part of a responsible approach to the complete lifecycle of products, from design to reclaiming at end-of-life.

Technologies designed to reduce impact

Dell deploys a number of technological levers to limit the carbon footprint of its equipment:

 

  • The Closed-Loop Recycling scheme which uses materials from used equipment to manufacture new products.
  • Energy optimization of equipment, with components and software that consume less energy while maintaining optimal performance.
  • Developing sustainable packaging made of bamboo and mushrooms, gradually replacing the traditional plastics.
  • The Takeback, scheme which organizes collection and recycling of end-of-life equipment to reduce electronic waste.

 

 

 

Dell and Econocom: an alliance that promotes the circular economy

The partnership between Dell Technologies and Econocom is a perfect  example of how the complementary expertise of players in the value chain can be combined as part of a circular, responsible approach to ensure more sustainable digital.

Dell focuses on sustainable equipment design while Econocom offers responsible use models such as as-a-Service solutions. This model promotes leasing over purchasing  in order to limit waste and encourage the reuse of resources while optimizing costs.

Between them, Dell and Econocom cover the complete product lifecycle: design, use, repurposing and recycling. The equipment collection schemes extend the useful life of equipment by refurbishing or reusing components.

This integrated approach maximizes the value created by reducing the overall environmental impact, which is beneficial for both clients and the environment.

Innovating to reinforce circularity

Dell continues its circularity efforts in the technology industry.
Its initiatives include:

  • Using bio-based materials and advanced recycling technologies
  • Developing modular products which are easier to repair, upgrade and recycle
  • Using traceability technologies such as blockchain to guarantee the sustainable provenance of  materials
  • Strengthening  strategic partnerships, such as with Econocom, for refurbishment and circular economy models.

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