09 Jun 2020
MobileCorp has adopted a 7-point Sustainability Program to assist customers with mobile device end-of-life management, because the 'new normal' is an opportunity to do things better.
MobileCorp Device Sustainability program supports the Circular Economy
In a circular economy, we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at end of life.
A circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy of ‘make, use, dispose.’
Mobile devices are an ideal product to adapt to the circular economy concept, says MobileCorp managing director, Stephen Aravopoulos.
"In this industry we all have an opportunity to make a positive contribution to our community and our planet. We will be encouraging all of our customers to utilise the Buy-back Program which delivers a commercial benefit back to their business but also helps less advantaged communities and allows safe, ethical disposal of devices which might otherwise end up as e-waste."
In the world of mobile fleet management, contributing to a circular economy means:
- taking actions to extend the life of mobile devices
- renewing and re-using devices that remain viable for use at some level
- recycling parts or ingredients of devices that can not be re-purposed
- sustainably disposing of any e-waste protecting the environment
- providing benefits to less advantaged communities
MobileCorp 7-Point Device Sustainability program
MobileCorp has adopted a Sustainability Program which has seven goals to protect our planet and community.
1. To protect our environment from devastating e-waste
All mobile devices surrendered to MobileCorp are disposed of in a sustainable manner and without contributing to e-waste. Australians are among the highest users of electronics in the world, and e-waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste. If mobile phones end up in a recycling plant or landfill, they can contaminate recyclable materials and leach toxic chemicals. The United Nations has launched the StEP initiative, to tackle the world’s growing e-waste crisis. Last year nearly 50 million tonnes of e-waste was generated worldwide — about seven kilograms for every person on the planet. There has also arisen an unethical practice of dumping e-waste in developing nations.2. To contribute to the Circular Economy by providing options for re-use or renewal of mobile devices
The concept of a 'circular economy' is to
- keep resources in use for as long as possible
- extract the maximum value from them whilst in use
- recover and regenerate products and materials at end of life
A circular economy is the opposite of a linear economy which is 'make, use, dispose.'
MobileCorp will aim through its Sustainability Program to contribute to the circular economy. Devices purchased through the MobileCorp Buy-Back program are refurbished and offered for resale to the community. Non-viable devices are recycled. Some of the devices that are refurbished are donated to communities which can not afford the cost of new hardware. Providing a device which would not otherwise be affordable, opens up a whole world of possibilities for individuals and communities.
3. To offer an approved Buy-Back scheme which provides a commercial benefit to customers encouraging responsible and sustainable disposal of EOL devices
MobileCorp offers a sustainable Telstra-approved buy-back program which enables Australian enterprise and business organisations to receive a commercial benefit while ethically divesting unwanted mobile phones and tablets.
The devices are either refurbished and reused to connect communities; or recycled for parts, keeping e-waste out of landfill. Buy-back prices are dependent upon the age and condition of the device. It is a very simple process, designed to make it easy for an organisation to implement. Devices receive secure decommissioning with all data removed using certified secure erasure software.
4. To provide recycling of non-viable devices
Any devices that are beyond refurbishment, are recycled for parts by Mobile Muster. MobileMuster is the recycling program of the Australian mobile phone industry voluntarily funded by: Alcatel, Apple, Google, hmd Global, HTC, Huawei, Motorola, Oppo, Optus, Samsung, Telstra, Vigo Mobile Australia, Vodafone and ZTE.
Over 95% of the materials in a mobile phone are able to be recovered. The batteries, printed circuit boards, casings, screens, accessories and packaging are processed separately through shredding, sorting and heating techniques to maximise resource recovery. The aluminium, glass and plastic in a mobile phone can be recycled for a second life. Lithium batteries can be processed to recover nickel, cobalt, cadmium, and lithium.
These recycling initiatives reduce future greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and conserve natural resources.
5. To extend the lifecycle of mobile devices by providing manageable repair options
Repairing devices is a painful process. It’s time-consuming, often expensive and frequently frustrating. MobileCorp offers three tiers of device repair service which are designed to support organisations to extend the life of mobile phones. Standard repair is included in all MobileCorp managed services.
6. To extend the lifecycle of mobile devices by providing protective accessory bundles
It makes commercial sense to extend the life of mobile devices. It is also good for the planet. While of the latest devices now have IP ratings for dust and water resistance, it is impact damage and broken screens that takes out so many corporate devices. MobileCorp provides discounted pricing for protective case and screen protector bundles.
MobileCorp also promotes a range of earth-friendly cases made of recycled materials and produced with a zero carbon footprint. The cases contain 85% plant based materials and no new plastics. They are slim, 2.4m drop-tested, have a MIL-STD 810g-516 rating, and suitable for corporate use.
7. To offer certified secure erasure of mobile devices so that commercial customers can act with confidence to sustainably manage EOL devices
In some cases it may be vitally important that devices are securely wiped of any residual corporate or personal data. The buyback scheme includes secure data erasure included in the buy-back price.
Utlising Blancco software, a Certificate of Erasure is provided for every asset, proving compliance with 25+ global security standards.
Erasure can take place at the customer premise or in a secure third party location.
About MobileCorp
MobileCorp is an Australian communications technology company providing Managed Mobility Services, Mobile Device Management, Complex Data and IP Networks, and Unified Communication solutions. We have a proven track record providing solution architecture, build, deployment, and managed services for Australian enterprise and business. We are also a Telstra Platinum Partner and have been a Telstra partner since 1988 (before Telstra was even called Telstra). Read Our History
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