Vodafone Germany’s recycling campaign run by Closing the Loop wins SABRE Award gold

Closing the Loop powered the program

At the heart of this success lies the partnership with Closing the Loop, a social enterprise specializing in e-waste offsetting. Vodafone Germany made use of the organization’s One for One service, which ensures that for every new device sold, one broken device is collected and recycled. The waste is gathered in regions such as Ghana, where formal waste collection systems are often absent.

SABRE jury praised real-world results

Organized by PRovoke Media, the SABRE Awards celebrate excellence in branding, reputation, and engagement. The jury acknowledged Vodafone’s campaign for its authentic narrative, tangible outcomes, and strategic alignment of business and sustainability goals. The campaign led to the collection of over two million scrap mobile devices.

Environmental storytelling as a business tool

This recognition highlights how waste reduction, when communicated clearly and combined with proven results, can offer both commercial and reputational advantages. Vodafone Germany’s campaign is a textbook example of how sustainability can become a compelling brand story.

A model for circular tech solutions

Joost de Kluijver, CEO of Closing the Loop, noted: “Vodafone Germany’s success shows how positive, engaging stories on waste reduction are, when combined with real results.” The campaign demonstrates that circular practices in tech are not only possible but can scale effectively.

About Closing the Loop

Since 2012, Closing the Loop has helped businesses in the tech sector create value through social impact. Its One for One model enables companies to neutralize their electronic footprint by collecting and recycling end-of-life devices, primarily in developing countries. This system helps reduce global e-waste while providing income opportunities for local communities.