The circular economy is the smart answer.

Technology can feel ancient and fast as the pace of innovation increases. Consumers, as well as businesses, are used to constantly upgrading devices and getting rid of “old” technology. But what about last year’s laptops, cell phones and tech accessories?

According to the United Nations, the world produces more than 50 million tons of electronic waste annually. Just as the fashion industry has had to come to terms with the dark side of so-called “fast fashion”—cheap, environmentally damaging clothing quickly created to imitate runways—the tech industry has to come to terms with the environmental implications of “fast technology.” “

Knowingly or unknowingly, some tech companies feed into the idea of ​​planned obsolescence – creating products that don’t last long enough to introduce new products regularly. There is a better way, and it is in the circular economy.

Unlike the linear economy, where companies extract natural resources to produce products designed to be thrown away, the circular economy closes the loop. Materials and products are designed to be more sustainable, reusable, repairable and recyclable, thereby extending product life cycles and curbing waste. This approach can have a significant impact on the environment. A study published in Science It found that plastic use could be reduced by nearly 80% over the next 20 years, in part by adopting a circular economy around the supply chain.

Advantages and disadvantages of circular economy

While companies across a range of sectors can reduce waste by adopting a circular economy model, technology companies have the greatest opportunity to create change by rethinking product design and inspiring consumers to expect more from their devices. But this is not easy to do. Sustainable processes and materials typically cost more than those used in a linear economic approach. Furthermore, adopting circular economy practices requires operational changes as well as subject matter expertise to implement them properly. Product design can also be an obstacle.

Adopting circular economy practices requires technology companies to rethink every aspect of product design. While it may not be easy, progress is possible—and critical—to save the planet. Global technology company Lenovo has increased the packaging and durability of its products. Lenovo integrates sustainable materials as widely as possible and uses closed-loop post-consumer recycled content in more than 200 products. By FY 2025-26, the company will use post-consumer recycled (PCC) materials in 100% PC products, 90% PC plastic packaging and 60% smartphone packaging. These efforts breathe new life into materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Lenovo has designed its packaging to use sustainable materials such as bamboo and sugarcane, and by assembling the servers before shipping them to the servers, they have created a sustainable shipping method that reduces the consumption of packaging materials.

UPSTREAM Innovation: From the Source

To make an impact, many technology companies can focus on designing long-lasting products from the start. On average, a smartphone contains 35 different materials, many of which are found in the ground. By making consumer products last longer, the technology industry can reduce the use of materials that are considered harmful to the environment and the emissions generated during their production.

A particularly problematic material is plastic. To maintain quality standards, there are limited opportunities to recycle plastic. Not all plastics can be recycled for all purposes. The technology industry and other sectors are looking for reusable materials. Lenovo has chosen to focus on integrating closed-loop recycled content (plastics from discarded electronics) to maximize the amount of recycled plastic that can be incorporated into products.

Creating new sustainable materials is an example of superior innovation or solving the root cause of a problem. For example, preventing waste in the first place limits the search for smart ways to incorporate it into the circular economy. High innovation and the circular economy generally represent business opportunities and environmental benefits. Consumers are becoming aware of the dangers of plastic pollution, and many are looking to brands that offer sustainable solutions.

In addition to gaining consumer trust and promoting sustainability programs, the adoption of circular economy practices will help to stimulate positive societal changes: from the “throwaway” culture and “fast technology” movement to sustainable product design and innovation in the next approach to technology. Consumers, including business-to-business (B2B) product buyers, can demand more from technology providers, leaving companies with no choice but to focus on creating more sustainable and circular practices.

Lenovo’s vision is to provide cutting-edge technology that builds a brighter and more sustainable future. To learn more about Lenovo’s sustainability efforts and circular economy leadership, visit Lenovo StoryHub.