Social-ecological impact with IT hardware

Social-Ecological Impact with IT Hardware

Social & Green: Arvato Systems ensures refurbishment and remarketing of IT equipment by AfB

G tersloh - For several years now, discarded IT and mobile devices from Arvato Systems have been refurbished and remarketed by the non-profit IT company AfB. AfB gGmbH is Europes largest non-profit IT company and specializes in extending the service life of used IT and mobile devices. The recognized inclusion company employs around 500 people in five countries, around 45% of whom are people with disabilities.

Raw material extraction and the production of IT hardware are currently associated with significant social and environmental impacts. From a sustainability perspective, the longest possible useful life of IT and mobile devices is therefore the best option. That is why Arvato Systems relies on its partnership with AfB for hardware that can no longer be used in the company.

The concept behind this collaboration is simple: discarded hardware is made available to AfB, where it undergoes a certified deletion process that complies with data protection and data security requirements, and is finally refurbished. The hardware - for example, printers, notebooks or PCs - can then be resold by AfB and used again. In 2020, a total of 78% of the IT equipment handed over to AfB by Arvato Systems was resold. If refurbishment is not possible because the hardware is broken or simply too old, the equipment is broken down into its individual components wherever feasible in order to recover spare parts or pass it on to certified recycling companies.

According to AfB, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020, the partnership with Arvato Systems saved 184,652 kilograms of CO2 equivalents (=lower greenhouse gas emissions), 732,077 kWh of energy (=reduced primary energy consumption) and 91,662 kilograms of iron equivalents (=less raw materials consumed). In addition, the cooperation also promotes the topic of inclusion: The reprocessing and remarketing of Arvato Systems equipment enabled two jobs for people with disabilities in 2020.

The partnership with AfB is also a contribution to seven of the 17 so-called Social Development Goals (SDGs) agreed by the United Nations for sustainable development. Among other things, it pays towards SDG number 10 (Reduce inequalities), 12 (Sustainable consumption and production) and 13 (Climate action).

LINK:	https://www.arvato-systems.com/more/press/social-ecological-impact-wit...
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