Dell takes up closed-loop plastics supply chain

Technology giant Dell has become the first organisation to use the UL-Environment certified closed-loop recycled plastics in computer manufacturing.

In partnership with Wistron GreenTech, the independent, third-party verification of a closed-loop plastics process establishes the first industry standard for closed-loop and supports a circular economy for IT.

Dell’s new closed-loop supply chain will turn plastics from recycled electronics back into new systems, helping drive a circular economy for IT. The first fruit of the move will come with the launch of the Dell OptiPlex 3030 All-in-One desktop, which will be commercially available in June. By reusing plastics already in circulation, Dell says it is cutting down on e-waste, saving resources and reducing carbon emissions by 11% compared with virgin plastics.

“Dell and Wistron’s incorporation of closed loop post-consumer recycled plastics in the OptiPlex AIO line of computers is a significant step towards industry leadership in reducing e-waste,” said Lisa Meier, vice president and general manager of UL Environment. “The content validation by UL Environment adds credibility and peace of mind for the purchasers and end users of Dell’s products, and highlights the company’s overall commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Dell has also become the first in the IT industry to introduce carbon-negative packaging, through a partnership with Newlight Technologies, inventor and manufacturer of AirCarbon.

The AirCarbon-based packaging will launch this autumn beginning with the packaging sleeves around new Dell Latitude series notebooks. Dell is piloting AirCarbon packaging in the United States, and plans to extend it globally for use in both packaging and products.