FINAL WORD or cobalt , which are associated with high energy , water consumption and environmental damage during extraction .
For example , at Dell we design our products for easy repair , reuse and recycling at end-of-life to keep products and materials in circulation for longer to help reduce pressure on resources and prevent waste .
We use recycled and , or renewable materials from innovative sources to help lower the environmental impact of our products and packaging . Every pound of steel , aluminium , plastic and copper that we recover is a pound of material that does not have to be extracted from the ground .
Demand for alternatives is increasing , particularly as they do not deplete additional natural resources and emit fewer greenhouse gases in their production and during the product life cycle . For example , low emissions aluminium and recycled cobalt are being used in our AI PCs . Another alternative material is a bioplastic derived from the production of paper , which is used as new component for technology casings .
Smarter product design
Product design plays a significant role in reducing waste and thinking about how to reduce production costs in the long-term . A sustainable approach begins with creating guidelines for how components are designed before they go on to form complete systems .
Product design dictates how practical it is to reuse and refurbish these components or to harvest recyclable materials at the end of a device ’ s life . Designing with durability and modularity in mind means that parts can come back through a services network before re-entering the supply chain , to be used to repair and refurbish systems . For customers and consumers , there is the added benefit of being able to purchase these products at a lower price point .
For components that cannot be easily reused , designs could focus on straightforward disassembly paired with clear markings , minimised paintings and coatings and simplified material choice . This makes it easier for the recycling industry to recover more material , more quickly .
Products with circularity
Information technology is heavily dependent on finite raw materials , including minerals like lithium
When we design products , we must design for circularity . So , one of the most immediate initiatives is for the IT design process to operate as a closed loop model , which keeps products and materials in circulation as long as possible .
Opportunity with responsibility
AI presents transformative opportunities to help businesses meet broader sustainability objectives . AI can help solve complex environmental issues but it is crucial to balance this with ensuring that the AI model and infrastructure itself has strong sustainability credentials .
However , 45 % of South African customers tell us they think AI will compromise their environmental sustainability efforts , and many customers tell us they are not sure where to focus .
The opportunity to leverage AI as a tool lies in its ability to identify issues more efficiently around sustainability , meaning they can be addressed more promptly . By
Doug Woolley , General Manager and Vice President , Dell Technologies South Africa
E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in South Africa , yet only 7 % – 12 % of the total volume is recycled formally .
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