Dutch operator VodafoneZiggo is taking decisive action to halve its negative environmental impact by 2025, aligning with its “Progress for Everyone” goals. Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Wietse Kuiken emphasizes the importance of reusing products as a key strategy. “Reused products must become the norm,” he states, highlighting the trend among younger generations to opt for refurbished items, like smartwatches. Kuiken recounts his own experience with a broken coffee machine that was repaired and returned within a week. Large organizations like VodafoneZiggo have a duty to drive product reuse, and their new circularity policy aims to make reuse mainstream. This seems like an excellent opportunity for companies that provide trade-in programs or sell refurbished devices.
Reducing e-waste to help the environment
“E-waste is an ever-growing environmental challenge,” Kuiken explains. With millions of customers relying on devices like modems and media boxes, VodafoneZiggo recognizes its role in mitigating electronic waste. Their Circular Electronics Policy ensures that as many devices and components as possible are reused instead of discarded. By reducing e-waste, VodafoneZiggo not only minimizes environmental harm but also sets an example for sustainability within the telecom industry.
Maximizing reuse and repair
The Circular Electronics Policy includes strategies to extend product life. Customers are encouraged to care for their devices, while the company invests in durable designs with easily replaceable or repairable components. Even when full reuse isn’t possible, VodafoneZiggo aims to extract materials for new applications, ensuring that fewer resources go to waste.
Collaboration for success
Reducing e-waste is a collective effort. VodafoneZiggo integrates this policy into its broader Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) process, ensuring transparency and accountability. “We can’t do this alone,” Kuiken notes, calling on employees, partners, and suppliers to join the initiative. Collaboration is key to creating sustainable practices across the supply chain.
Driving sustainability through innovation
VodafoneZiggo is making significant progress toward its sustainability targets. Since 2018, CO2 emissions have dropped by 44%, and by 2023, 40% of their fleet was electric. Tools like Life Cycle Assessments help identify opportunities for sustainability throughout a product’s lifecycle. The Circular Electronics Policy further reinforces VodafoneZiggo’s leadership in environmental responsibility, particularly in the final stages of product usage. “This policy helps us take another step toward becoming a frontrunner in sustainability within the telecom sector,” Kuiken concludes.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
