A SECOND CHANCE FOR OUR IT EQUIPMENT

2024-09-13

Did you know that producing a single mobile phone can release over 80 kg of CO2? That's roughly equivalent to the emissions from a gasoline-powered car driving over 600 kilometers! And by reusing 500 laptops, we can save 150,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide - a significant contribution to a reduced carbon footprint!

A more sustainable future

Anders Wallentin (IT technician), Sabine Broy (IT assistant) and Tom Karlsson (IT manager) at ESBE IT department don't just provide full service in terms of installation and maintenance of IT structures, mobile communication, servers, networks, firewalls…. and more! They also ensure that ESBE employees' old computers, mobiles and other electronics get a second chance through reuse or professional recycling.

This is how we do it at ESBE

When our IT products reach the end of their lifecycle with us the IT team wipes them of all data. When enough devices are collected, they are sent to a company, specialized in taking care of IT scrap. We let recycling/reuse experts handle the products because it's important to us that they receive professional treatment, especially ensuring that all sensitive data is erased. At ESBE, we use Dustin's return department to clean and prepare the IT products for reuse and resells them for reuse. This reduces the need for new production. Products that cannot be reused are given a new life through material recycling. Sabine explains:
- During the spring, the units were replaced in Sweden, and at our subsidiaries in Germany and Poland. France is planned for the fall. In addition to cleaning and supplying France with new computers, we will also review the production environment in Sweden and replace units that have passed their best-before date.

In this way, we reduce ESBE's environmental impact and our costs. Reusing IT products is an important piece of the puzzle in the work towards a more sustainable future. By collaborating with other companies, we can together create a circular economy where resources are used more efficiently.
- For a laptop at ESBE, we have an "End-of-Life" time here at ESBE of five years, then the laptops must be replaced. For desktop computers, the time is longer, up to 10 years depending on what the computer is used for. Due to various circumstances, we are a little behind with the exchange cycle. We will try to catch up as soon as possible, but we cannot replace 120 computers at the same time! As soon as that is completed, the plan is to routinely collect twice a year, says Sabine.

Items from the spring collection:
●   16 computers (both desktop and laptop)
●   22 hard drives (from servers and also computers)
●   7 smartphones

What is circular economy?
Circular economy is about creating a cycle where products are used over and over again. Instead of throwing away old products and buying new ones - we repair, reuse or recycle. Less waste and a greater chance to succeed in making our planet's resources last longer.

The benefits of reuse
●   Reduced environmental impact: By reusing, the need to extract new raw materials is reduced, which in turn reduces emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
●   Reduced electronic waste: By extending the life cycle of products, the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills is reduced. Electronic waste often contains dangerous substances that can leak into nature and harm both people and animals.
●   Financial benefits: By reusing products, we save money.

What can YOU do??
●   Choose sustainable products: When you're buying your new mobile phone or thinking about which tablet is best, consider the environmental impact and choose products that are easy to repair and recycle. Nowadays, you don't need to have the newest computer or the toughest hardware program, as more and more technology and memory are moved to the "cloud". This makes the devices last longer.
●   Extend life: Take care of your electronic products so they last longer. Update the software regularly and protect them from physical damage.
●   Recycle correctly: Do you have an old mobile, laptop or smartwatch lying around littering? Make sure they are recycled or reused in a climate-smart way.

Together we can make a difference!
By choosing sustainable alternatives and supporting companies that work for a more circular economy, we can all contribute to a better environment for ourselves and future generations.
So, let’s do this - together! 💦 🌼 🌳 💪

Long-term and sustainable work is found in ESBE’s DNA