Softcat is determined to start thinking differently about e-waste, its Sustainability Lead stressed as he opened up on its new kilogram-to-kilogram takeback aspiration.
The UK’s largest reseller hopes to recover a kilogram of IT hardware for every kilogram it sells by 2034.
Talking exclusively to IT Channel Oxygen for our Second Life Campaign, Softcat Sustainability Lead John Gladstone said the new aspiration will encompass everything “from cable to cabinet”.
“The industry can no longer focus just on recovering devices. We have to consider everything that’s put on the market by us as an industry,” Gladstone said.
“It’s about ensuring we’re recovering all the products we’re putting out there – and not just items that could potentially hold value through second, third or fourth use either – there’s more to it than that!
“There’s a lot of work we have to do and due diligence around it, but we’re proud to have that aspiration.”
Partner approach not a disadvantage, Softcat claims
Heightened visibility of ESG at a boardroom level means circular IT is “becoming increasingly important” to customers, Computacenter told us in July as it opened up on why it has set a 1:1 device recovery goal.
SCC is also looking to quadruple throughput at its newly opened WEEE recycling facility.
Unlike this duo, Softcat does not have an inhouse IT asset disposal (ITAD) arm.
Recovering hardware via a partner network isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, Gladstone countered, however.
“We probably represent 99% of resellers out there in not having those facilities,” he said.
“In my eyes, it’s an advantage from a geographical perspective. We have partners that specialise in different areas of asset recovery, and it gives us the ability to flex geographically and also be more competitive when selecting the right partner,” he said.
Softcat’s Business Transformation Director Alastair Wynn added: “This vision, however, depends on reliable data and strong services to provide customers with assurance, confidence, and a market experience that is second to none in terms of sustainability.
“We acknowledge the current gaps and challenges in the market, but to truly close the loop, we must think beyond just the device. That’s why we are committed to taking greater responsibility, with the bold goal of achieving kilogram-for-kilogram takeback over the next decade.”
Doug Woodburn is editor of IT Channel Oxygen
