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Establish a green and reuse process in the lifecycle of the device for mobile phones

MOBILE PHONES

Segment    Family    Class

43

19

15

SDG Alignment

12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

SDG Target

12.5

Target Description

By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse

Level of Effort

Level of Effort Scale

2

1 -Quick Wins: solution involves adding criteria for the good or service being purchased (ex: certifications), minimal internal process changes.

2 -Long Term Adoption: solution requires some changes to internal processes and/or more capital investment (ex: digital transformation to reduce paper use).

3 – Disruptive Opportunities: requires significant investment and changes to internal processes (ex: retrofitting building)

Category Assessment

ETCH Procurement Process .png

Assessment

Prepare summary of existing products and contract by documenting brand, model, etc. Research sustainability certifications associated with the product, available replacement parts, length of time product has been in use, warranty on the product, annual maintenance costs, take-back options, estimated product life, and the initial cost of the product.

Opportunity Identification 

Business:
Cost savings through a reduction in energy use and the less frequent purchase of new products. Discount opportunity for purchase of new hardware

Sustainability:
Reduced landfill e-waste, option for materials to be reused, and allocate them back into the manufacturing process. Safe disposal of potentially harmful chemicals contained in mobile phones to minimize environmental degradation.

Strategy Build & Execution

• Establish goals and targets that you see fit for your company and the potential commercial benefits associated with a sustainable initiative

• Initiate discussion with supplier to understand recycling options for end product.

• Propose revision to existing contract or go to RFP for mobile phone purchase and maintenance. Include questions to evaluate competitiveness of a trade in program and supplier recycling policies and strategies.

• Procure the sustainable alternatives that you settle on with suppliers.

• Align with decision-makers for project execution.

Supplier Negotiation & Contract

• In contracts, require vendors to provide take-back services using providers certified under the R2 or E-Stewards Standards (or non-US equivalent program)

• Negotiate with suppliers to ensure standards are in place to support your goals and targets; supply chain transparency and disclosure: regular reporting on the reduction and production of e-waste.

• Negotiate with suppliers on value-added components in their service including standardization of sustainability certifications, handling repair and refurbishment, recycling, etc.

• Negotiate amendment to existing contract to incorporate trade in program, recycling requirements, and sustainable alternatives

Supplier Performance & Management

• Integrate annual checks for conflict mineral reporting, compliance with warranty/quality assurance clauses.

• Establish internal and external reporting on the specific product being purchased is compliant at the point of sale; confirm manufacturer compliance with standards.

Resource Links

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