Dell

Global technology leader Dell is reducing plastic waste by integrating recycled plastic into the design of its OptiPlex 3030 All-in-One desktop computer. What is unique from other recycling initiatives is that the recycled plastic comes from used electronic equipment recovered through Dell’s global take-back scheme – ULe certified ‘closed-loop’ recycling.

Dell wanted to demonstrate the huge potential benefit of scaling up closed-loop plastics recycling. It commissioned Trucost to assess the net environmental benefit of closed-loop recycled plastic in terms of lower pollution, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved human health compared to using traditional plastic. This involved quantifying positive and negative environmental impacts and putting a monetary value on the result.

“There are significant benefits to embracing a circular economy. Our closed loop plastics supply chain enables a resource-efficient product made from recycled content that costs Dell less. Companies need to realize sustainability programs are just good business.”

Insights

Growing Business Value in an Environmentally Challenged Economy (publication)

Trucost identifies $3.5bn environmental savings from scaling up sustainable plastic (news)

Scaling Sustainable Plastics (publication)