Today, we’re diving into the transformative impact of the circular economy on the telecom industry, with insights from Cora Park, who serves as the Account Manager for Europe and the Middle East at TXO. Since joining the team back in 2018, Cora has been pivotal in promoting and implementing sustainable practices within the sector. The circular economy, which moves away from traditional ‘take, make, dispose’ models towards more sustainable practices of reuse, refurbishment, repair and recycling, is particularly relevant in telecommunications, where it can extend the lifecycle of network equipment and significantly reduce environmental impact.
Interviewer: Cora, could you begin by explaining what the circular economy means for telecom network operators?
Cora: Absolutely. The circular economy in telecommunications is about shifting from a traditional linear model—where equipment is manufactured, used and discarded—to a more sustainable one where resources are reused, refurbished, repaired and recycled. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also offers significant financial benefits by extending the life of telecom network equipment and optimising resource utilisation.
Interviewer: How does this circular approach benefit telecom operators directly?
Cora: There are several direct benefits. Firstly, cost savings. By reusing, repairing and refurbishing equipment, operators can avoid the high costs associated with purchasing new hardware. Our operations, for instance, allow customers to save up to 90% compared to original equipment manufacturer prices. Secondly, the circular model promotes more efficient use of resources, allowing operators to extend the life of their hardware and minimise the need for raw materials, which contributes to conservation and reduced environmental footprint. This not only positions telecom operators as industry leaders in sustainability but also gives them a competitive edge. Thirdly, the circular economy helps in complying with environmental regulations and achieving corporate social responsibility goals, enhancing brand reputation which can lead to increased customer loyalty and attract new business opportunities.
Interviewer: What challenges do operators face when implementing circular economy practices?
Cora: One of the main challenges is the initial restructuring of supply chains and internal processes to support the circular model. It requires a shift in mindset from all stakeholders to prioritise sustainability. Additionally, technological challenges include ensuring the compatibility and quality of refurbished equipment, which we address through rigorous testing and certification, streamlining the process for telecom operators. At TXO, we’re continually innovating our processes to improve our efficiency and effectiveness. This includes advancements in our testing and repair labs, and the creation of asset management software that supports the circular model. Our approach is all about simplifying the adoption of circular practices and making life easier for our clients.
Interviewer: What difference does it make for telecom network operators to partner with gold EcoVadis sustainability rated companies?
Cora: Partnering with a company like TXO, which holds a gold EcoVadis sustainability rating, offers tangible benefits for telecom operators. It shows commitment to the highest environmental and ethical standards, enhancing your company’s reputation and appealing to eco-conscious customers. Such a partnership can streamline compliance with tough regulatory requirements, simplifying processes and reducing risk. Plus, it sends a strong message about your commitment to sustainability, which is great for your brand and can help draw in and retain customers who value these principles.
Interviewer: How do you engage with stakeholders to promote awareness and adoption of circular economy practices?
Cora: Engaging with the stakeholders involved with making decisions on purchasing, upgrading and maintaining their network infrastructure is key to advancing circular economy practices. We focus on education and clear communication. This involves training sessions for our team and partners, as well as providing comprehensive data and success stories with our clients to illustrate the positive impact of choosing refurbished, repaired and recycled equipment. We’re also active in industry events, contributing to and learning from the wider community.
Interviewer: How do you see the future of the circular economy in telecom?
Cora: The future is very promising. As awareness of environmental issues grows and technology continues to advance, more telecom operators will likely adopt circular economy practices. This transition will be supported by improvements in the standardisation of practices and increased global collaboration among telecom companies.
Interviewer: Thank you, Cora, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that the circular economy not only supports sustainability but also offers tangible benefits to telecom network operators.
Cora: Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful that our continued efforts will inspire more companies to join us in this important shift toward sustainability.