Circular is a world we’re starting to hear more than ever, and often in new contexts.

We talk about the Circular Economy and hear of it mentioned in new contexts- for example in  Circular Fashion, but what does it actually mean?  The Circular Economy is regenerative by design, decoupling growth from finite resource use. Its principles are to eliminate waste, keep valued materials in circulation and regenerate nature. In a nutshell, it’s about using what already exists for longer- often through redeployment and reuse.

A circular approach creates a more resilient system that is good for business, people and the environment according to the Ellen McArthur Foundation, a world authority on the subject of the circular economy.

However, there are many areas of daily life where the principle of the circular economy may not have been fully considered and circular electronics is one. Shockingly, we’re throwing away 50 million metric tonnes of electronic waste (eWaste) every year- to put this into context that’s nearly 4,500 Eiffel towers (source TCO Certified). This linear approach to consumption can’t continue.

Today is Circular Electronics Day.  Cistor is part of this initiative that promotes a more sustainable approach to IT through the adoption of more circular principles- breaking the pattern of linear consumption.

By keeping electronic items in use for longer we reduce the consumption of finite resources, energy and water.

The manufacturers of IT hardware recognise that there is a huge market for remanufactured electronics and have programmes set up to meet this demand.  Cistor was founded on the idea that we must use what we have for longer. That was 14 years ago, today we’re the largest Circular Economy Partner to Cisco, and partner with other leading networking hardware providers, to sell authorised remanufactured IT.

The benefits are clear. Research shared by Cisco suggests that remanufactured products use 85% less energy, water and materials than new. Cisco’s authorised remanufacture programme – known as Refresh– is designed to address just that. What’s more, because Cisco complete the remanufacture process, their remanufactured products are supplied with the same warranties and support as new. This is one of the reasons why Refresh is so popular with our customers.

So, here are 5 ways to take a more circular approach to IT hardware:

1. Review the need for new. Does your network really need a complete overhaul, or can elements be upgraded?
   
   
2. Utilise authorised remanufacture programmes. Try single items to get started. With the same warranty and support as new, these programmes keep fully functioning equipment in use for longer.
   
   
3. Extend the life of your products. Upgrade or repair your products so they are used by you for a greater percentage of their maximum utility before they’re passed on.
   
   
4. Question your recyclers. Where does your used IT hardware go after you have finished with it? Is it redeployed and reused or simply sent off to be ‘recycled?’. Remember only 20% of eWaste is actually recycled.
   
   
5. Share success. When you have success with remanufactured programmes share this with your peers, and your team. IT departments have a responsibility to align with organisations’ sustainability objectives and this is a visible and quantifiable impact that can be shared.