Circular criteria in TCO Certified allows for longer product use

TCO Certified is the sustainability certification for IT products. Purchasers around the world use TCO Certified just like an ecolabel, but what makes TCO Certified unique is that we include environmental and supply chain responsibility connected to the computers and other IT devices you buy. So you’re not only reducing environmental impact, but also ensuring fair working conditions where the products are made.

Circularity is all about keeping products and materials in use longer and preventing waste. We also need to remember that e-waste is still the fastest growing waste stream in the world. So, beginning in 2018 we included a series of criteria aimed at extending the life of the products you buy and also influencing product design for easier refurbishment and reuse. It’s important to remember that IT products also contain embedded value, meaning these products contain valuable materials that can be reused. So our message is clear — use your IT longer, and when you’re done using it, make sure someone else can. Whatever you do, don’t trash it!

We’ve been able to create a lot of awareness around what circular actually IT is and how purchasers can have their highest impact. In our conversations with buyers, there’s been a distinct shift from seeing circularity as “all about recycling”, to wider adoption of longer product use as a core strategy. IT products are made to last, so longer use is the best thing we can do. I’m also really excited to see the growing interest in refurbished and remanufactured products as a good option for many organizations.

Sustainability is a long term commitment to continuous improvement, and IT is constantly evolving, so we update our criteria every three years, which is pretty ambitious. Right now, we’re working on our next generation, which we plan to launch in late 2021. As part of this work, pushing for greater circularity will continue to be a core focus.

In practical terms, what this means is that we will continue to move forward with more ambitious criteria aimed at extending the life of IT products, improving recyclability, and reducing e-waste. There will also be new sustainability performance indicators (SPI) added to help purchasing organizations make informed choices and measure their sustainability impact connected to the certified computers and other devices they buy.

A couple of things — firstly, the e-waste conversation starts up front. Don’t wait until you’re faced with a room full of used computers before deciding what to do with them. Every procurement should start with a clear plan for extended use, re-use or take back. Secondly, use your products longer. And again, this conversation starts up front — discuss extended warranty options with your vendor and signal to them early and often that extended use and circular solutions are important to you. Keep asking those tricky questions!

With over 25 years of experience, TCO Certified is the world-leading sustainability certification for IT products. The comprehensive criteria are designed to drive social and environmental responsibility throughout the product life cycle. Covering 11 product categories including displays, computers and mobile devices, compliance is independently verified, both pre and post certification.