Circular economy as an effort for sustainability.
Computers, mobile phones, and other devices often have a technical lifespan far exceeding their commercial or operating system relevance.
Historically, user preferences and rapid innovation cycles have taken precedence over sustainability. However, organizations and individuals are increasingly prioritizing efforts to minimize their environmental footprint. At Foxway, we target to provide a holistic perspective on the value chain, empowering and guiding companies and communities to make informed, sustainable choices. By delivering circular tech services to large organizations, the public sector, and the recommerce industry, we champion a more responsible approach to technology. Through recovery, refurbishment, remarketing, and the creation of robust infrastructure for technology reuse, we promote a circular and sufficieny based tech ecosystem. Our goal is to reduce the negative environmental impact of the tech industry while maximizing the value of existing resources.
Foxway’s environmental vision is and sustainability strategy is based on the principles of degrowth and circularity for the tech industry. By extending product lifespans, reducing e-waste, and enhancing resource efficiency, we align with global sustainability goals and actively work to mitigate the environmental costs of new technology production. Through advocating for responsible consumption and resource stewardship, we play a critical role in advancing the circular economy and fostering a more sustainable future for our planet.
This section outlines the general positive and negative impacts of our operations. If you would like to explore specific aspects or dive deeper into any element of our circular approach, our team is available to provide further insights and information.
There is no such thing as green growth.
The concept of "green growth" suggests that it is possible to achieve economic expansion while simultaneously reducing environmental harm. However, true sustainability challenges this notion, as continuous growth often leads to increased resource consumption and waste, which ultimately strains the planet's finite resources. The idea of limitless growth is inherently at odds with the ecological balance necessary for long-term sustainability.
Foxway, understanding this reality, strives to mitigate environmental damage by focusing on the circular economy. Instead of promoting new production, Foxway extends the life cycle of electronic devices through refurbishing, reusing, and recycling. By prioritizing resource efficiency and reducing the demand for new raw materials, Foxway helps to curb the environmental impact typically associated with consumer electronics, aligning their efforts with a more sustainable, rather than growth-driven, approach.
Towards an accessible model.
When devices are given longer lifespans, the benefits of technology become more accessible to a broader segment of society. This approach demonstrates that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive but can complement each other within a well-designed circular economy.
By extending the life of technology, Foxway aims to make high-quality devices more affordable, allowing enterprises, public institutions, and educational systems to equip more people with the tools they need. At the same time, this reduces the overall carbon footprint, as fewer resources are consumed, and less waste is generated. This model illustrates that a more equitable distribution of technology can coexist with environmental stewardship, fostering both social and ecological well-being..
The negative
footprint
Understanding Foxway’s Environmental Impact - To comprehensively evaluate Foxway’s environmental footprint, it is essential to consider all aspects of our operations. From sourcing and refurbishing to recycling and reselling IT devices, our mission centers on promoting sustainability. However, certain activities within our value chain and operations inevitably contribute to environmental and social challenges. Acknowledging these challenges is crucial to maintaining transparency and enabling us to track, report, and mitigate our negative impacts. Below, we outline the most material areas of impact alongside a general overview of our footprint.
Waste
Total waste volume (2023): 1299 tons
Non hazardous waste: 1286 tons
Hazardous waste: 13 tons
The main waste generated was electronic waste (586 tons of non-hazardous and 9 tons of hazardous) that cannot be reused or repaired. That waste was sorted into relevant categories and handed over to a licensed waste recycler for raw material recovery.
Complex recycling and recovery processes of raw materials are made by third-party partners. All the waste handed over to our partners is reused or recycled in Europe or Japan.
Resources that
are scrapped
We currently source a significant amount of unspecified electronic devices that are in working conditions. Yet are scrapped due to a lack of traceability and costly management, the goods are not sourced but send to Foxway without any documentation or procurement orders as a “side-effect” of our global extensive trade-in program. The sustainability team is currently investigating how to utilize or improve the processes and management of this kind of “unwanted” flow of goods. The ambition is to guide, utilize and re-direct usage beyond profitability and core business. In general, the view of waste is outdated and in many cases waste is products that never should have been produced, or resources not able to match with utilization. Foxway is committed to reduce this flow of “scrap” and find better way of informing, utilize and solve this source of negative footprint nearest years.
We are also facing a challenge to utilize internal supply of harvested spare-parts, given the large scale of operations our harvesting of spare parts is not always matching the demand or structure of our industry. Functional screens, back covers, sensors, lenses risk to be scrapped or not properly utilized. To reduce the amount sent for scrapping Foxway has dedicated a resource to find a second use of functional parts in the global markets.
Managing almost 2 million shipments yearly packaging is an obvious concern and representing most of our waste stream. By refining methodology, tracking packaging and selecting reusable solutions we are effectively reducing our waste volumes in relation to revenue and target a 30% decrease coming years.
Our waste management strategy is to be found under the CSRD / Reports and policy section.
Chemicals
Amount of chemicals in operation: approx. 75 (to be disclosed in near time)
Total weight of chemical waste: not yet monitored
Waste management of chemicals:Residues of chemicals and their packages are processed or incinerated by a company licensed and specialized in hazardous waste.
Chemicals like PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of synthetic organofluoride chemical compound), also called the forever chemicals are one of the main future threats to humanity with likely cancerogenic effects, DNA changing risks that accumulate in an increasing rate at our planet.
PFAS are not possible to remove during a foreseeable future and pose a serious threat to the future of the human as such together with microplastics. Even if Foxway as we know do not use or include PFAS in our operations, its worth to highlight that they are a part of the industry as such and points out the importance of a transparent and critical approach to the overall use of chemicals not needed.
To manage a repair and refurbishment operation chemicals are an unavoidable part of the process. To ensure regulations, warranties, quality and keeping devices alive longer
Chemicals represents a tiny share of our hazardous waste volumes. Still, they represent a significant challenge for the work environment and our planet. Foxway has implemented best standards in work and waste management of chemicals. Looking forward we are targeting to investigate three main topics:
How to eliminate or reduce needed chemicals
For chemicals needed, investigate the most sustainable option
Start a broader discussion about why some chemicals are used at all, in the following section we will question some typically assumed “must have approach in our industry” that leads to potentially extensive use of not needed use of chemicals and specifically VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
The Price of Beauty in the Tech Industry
Technology has become an irreplaceable part of the human experience. Face-to-face interactions have increasingly been replaced with socializing through social media or other digital communication
While technology makes daily life easier, it is evolving rapidly, and beauty has become more than just a desirable trait. In the tech world, esthetics is now a crucial aspect of product design and user experience. Sleek, modern designs, record sales, and rave reviews of the latest tech marvels often take precedence over safety practices, environmental impact, and employee well-being. As visual creatures, humans are naturally drawn to attractive things, so this focus on esthetics makes sense to some degree. But does the outcome justify the cost?
This editorial explores how the pursuit of beauty in the tech industry often leads to inadequate consideration of environmental sustainability and employee health and safety.
Refurbished Tech: A More Sustainable Beauty
The growing demand for sustainability has fortunately led some consumers and businesses to look beyond the allure of brand-new devices.
Refurbished technology has become a viable alternative, offering a way to enjoy the beauty and functionality of modern gadgets without contributing as heavily to the environmental and health costs associated with producing new devices. While refurbished devices may not always have the latest designs or cutting-edge features, they provide a more ethical alternative for those who wish to balance functionality, cost, and environmental responsibility. Many refurbished products even come with warranties, offering peace of mind for consumers.
Beyond the consumer, refurbished tech offers several advantages, including cost savings and a reduction in electronic waste. By extending the lifecycle of a device through refurbishment, fewer raw materials are needed, and fewer harmful chemicals are released into the environment. It all depends on the way the companies refurbishing the tech tend to think and operate. The refurbishment process typically involves cleaning, testing, repairing, and making the device functionally as good as new. However, during the process of making them as good as new, companies are faced with the decision of whether to use the same harmful chemicals the manufacturers use, and by doing so, increase the sales value or somewhat compromise on the visual perfection of the device, and in relation to that, lose some of the planned gross margin.
When dissecting all the aspects of refurbishing, there is no way to get past using chemicals. Chemicals are needed to clean the devices of any previous wrong-doings (such as spilled drinks, phones drowned in the toilet, etc.). When repairing the device, sometimes it is also necessary to do some soldering. A process mainly involving the use of lead-based soldering wire, which has been the preferred material for electronic manufacturing for decades due to its low cost, lower melting point, and ease of use. There are lead-free options available on the market, but again, the price is higher, and so is the cost of production. Therefore, companies in the refurbishing business have to decide between the potential consequences in case of improper use and a safer, but more costly way of doing things.
When it comes to the aesthetics of the devices, there are many different procedures that can make the device look nicer than when it arrived at the company responsible for refurbishing it. This includes, for example, polishing the screens to get rid of minor imperfections and repainting the devices to make them visually more appealing. The process of polishing, by default, is quite safe when done properly. However, in case of failure to comply with safe practices, using polishing compounds can cause skin and eye irritation and drowsiness when inhaled. Repainting the devices is a whole other ordeal. Referring to the previous section of the editorial: “.. To achieve the slim profiles and smooth finishes that consumers so deeply adore, manufacturers often rely on chemicals that contain isocyanates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as lead, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, and acetone.” Companies that put employee safety above profits, or keep them exclusively as important, should have special ventilated chambers, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and comprehensive employee training programs to ensure safety and compliance with applicable environmental and health and safety legislation. If not done properly, the cost of beauty in the tech industry becomes far greater than it should – at the expense of all living things. At the end of the day, besides gross margin, do the minor faults in the soft-to-touch feel of the device affect its intended purpose?
Bringing Beautiful Tech to Life at the Expense of Life
As mentioned earlier, humans are inherently visual. For decades, innovative design has been a driving force in the tech industry. From sleek, minimalist designs to soft-touch laptops, foldable phones, and similar products, beautiful design has become almost synonymous with innovation. However, this emphasis on sleekness often leads to unintended consequences
For instance, to achieve the slim profiles and smooth finishes that consumers adore, manufacturers often rely on chemicals containing isocyanates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like lead, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, and acetone. Isocyanates are commonly used in paints and coatings to provide durability, a soft touch, and a glossy finish. However, improper handling of these substances can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems and skin sensitization for employees. Many VOCs are carcinogenic (e.g., benzene, lead) and contribute to air pollution, leading to respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and long-term health problems like organ damage. Carcinogenic substances like lead, have been linked to cancers such as leukemia and lung cancer. Employees who handle these materials without adequate safety measures or ventilation face heightened risks, raising concerns about the human cost of tech’s esthetic appeal. These chemicals contribute to the stunning appearance and, in some cases, the functionality of tech devices, but they also pose significant risks during production. Improper disposal of these substances can also lead to environmental contamination, harming ecosystems and human communities alike. As a result, the drive to create beautiful, innovative tech may come with a hefty price for all living beings.
Electronics manufacturing is already resource-intensive, and the push for premium, esthetically pleasing designs exacerbates the environmental footprint. This is evident in the extensive use of materials like plastics, metals, and chemically enhanced paints and coatings. One must ask: What can I do to ensure that every device that passes through my hands is used to its maximum potential? It is also important that when I no longer need it, it finds its way to the right place where its lifespan can be extended. Does esthetic value alone justify the environmental impact? It is a question consumers should consider before buying the latest, prettiest piece of tech.
Carbon Emissions
All numbers in (tCO2e) tons of CO2 equivalents
Total reported CO2e emissions (Scope 1-3): 426.078,7
Scope 1: 246,6 (0,05%)
Scope 2: 188,1 (0,04%)
Scope 3 (1-7,9,11-12): 425.643,9 (99,91%)
The specifics of our carbon emissions have given similarities but differs slightly between the different categories of our operations, for a complete overview, detailed emissions and our actions to reduce our carbon footprint please read our sustainability report, carbon reduction plan and other environmental policies. In this section we aim to disclose the main drivers of our negative carbon footprint and what it means.
Our own operations and production (Scope 1&2)
To operate our business we are in need of energy and fuels to heat and run our facilities, and vehicles. Even if Scope 1&2 represents less than 0,1% of our total emissions effects our production carbon footprint (PCF) directly affection our competitiveness for refurbished devices. The choice of energy and vehicles used are also under direct control of Foxway in most areas, this means its an obvious target for reduction.
Foxway are still under lease contract in facilities Foxway depending on fossil based fuels in terms of gas heating in Estonia and Denmark adding unwanted use of non-renewable energy use in our operations.
Valued added reseller (VAR)- DaaS and circular services
As for most tech VAR (value add resellers) and circular tech providers our carbon footprint leans heavily on our upstream Scope 3 emissions. The production of sold goods, logistics and use of our provided services and products represents most of our emissions. Production of devices rely on carbon intensive processes such as mining, often in global south, global (fossil based) shipping as well as production and assembling in south-east Asia with an overweight on China using carbon intense energy grids.
The use of sold goods in our VAR business is mostly done in the Nordics giving a slightly less carbon intense footprint since most of our customers use renewable energy.
Local logistic performed by Foxway is still strongly driven by traditional SLA (service level agreements) with a behavioral habit of requesting rapid deliveries and drop shipping like demands meaning Foxway still procure air-based shipping.
Circular business – Refurbishment, Repair, ITAD, Trade-in program
The circular operations represents a majority of the Scope 1&2 described above due to large facilities and processes in scale.
The Scope 3 emission is according to GHG (Greenhouse gas protocol) standards not accounting secondhand goods in the upstream numbers. Still our circular services accounts for the largest emission numbers accounted in Foxway group. The large number of second-hand sold goods in Foxway, currently 80%, gives large numbers in the carbon footprint in the Scope 3 category “use of sold goods”. The circular tech business acts on a global market providing second hand products also in market with heavy carbon relying grids such as Germany, UK, UAE and more. Even if this footprint might look bad, in a planetary perspective Foxway has the standpoint that even if a carbon footprint of a refurbished device hits our emission numbers it will hopefully offer a better planetary footprint than scrapping a functional device and increase production of new devices.
Resource Consumption
Estimated Procured volume sold (2023): 6.850 tons
Resource Consumption within Foxway from the upstream procurement of products is extensive. The Tech-industry has a very large impact on use of ore for mining minerals indentured for production of new devices and components. A single smartphone can include near 55 minerals whereof several of them is very hard both to mine and refine.
Mining and production also includes extensive, near extreme impact on water usage as well as energy depending on a resource craving energy production. Given these factors the production, repair and refurbishment of devices includes extensive impact of most of our main and rapidly depleting resources (more information in the section “Looking ahead”).
Also in our ambition to create a Degrowth aligned business model based on repair and a circular economy we are so some extent depending on spare parts and upgrade parts that is part of same value chain as new devices.
Numbers around the value chain is still hard to verify in a consistent way. Foxway has the ambition to be able to provide best effort numbers in near time regarding ore, water usage, and more in our value chain.
Read more about the broader impact of resource use in the tech industry under the section “The real cost of Technology”
Social
Impact
Estimated Procured volume sold (2023): 6.850 tons
Supply and value-chain
In the section “The real cost of tech” we are describing the negative impact of our supply chain both in terms of people's living conditions, human rights, slave labor, conflicts and child labor. The list of negative effects is long and worrisome. Even if the general ambitions with regulations, policies and data disclosures there is not an obvious trend to the better. Decades of policy work claimed “control of supply chain” and demand for a supply chain free of conflict-minerals has not improved much.
Foxway is well aware of the impacts and encourages all of our partners and customers to acknowledge this and initiate discussion how the problems might be possible to mitigate beyond “fell-good” certificates and memberships.
The list of breaches is long and no brand, OEM or VAR can claim to be either better or free from the infected world of slavery and abuse. Some numbers in perspectives:
Number of clearly visible humans in slavery 2024 (not only tech industry): >50.000.000, Engaged children as young as 6 years in Congo (only) mining for minerals related to tech industry: >30.000, but Number of people also displaced in same region due to war of minerals for tech industry: >6.000.000. The list of similar sad numbers is long and has a global reach. We are trying to share some of the most well known problems listed on our web. We are planning to enable a new type of approach in this area to give you as a user and partner a better arena to address you concerns and increase insights in near future.
Negative social consequences of tech
This section could be as long and concerning as the one affecting the supply of products. Foxway is very aware of and deeply concerned about the effects of use of technology. The topic covers an almost endless number of topics and aspects. Foxway cannot address all of them, but by providing affordable second hand tech we are part of a supply chain enabling higher penetration and availability for products like smartphones and tablets to younger users. The use of Social media, excessive use in front of screen has a well known negative effect on children's development and well being. UNICEF Sweden reported in 2024 that almost every fifth child in age of elementary school in the Nordics seriously considers suicide and have depression diagnoses. Tech can not only be pointed out as the core-reason, but it is well-known fact that introduction of “screen-time” in young ages with later on uncontrolled use of leisure time in front of a screen and use of addictive social media interaction contributes severely bad to younger people.
Packaging and Transports
Estimated Procured volume sold (2023): 6.850 tonsNumber
of deliveries and packages > 1 mn
Aligned with EU taxonomy standards (2023): approx. 30%
Packaging
Foxway is currently sending some 1 million packages yearly with additional wrapping, pallets, and collection packaging around the separate packages. The packaging is blended in some 200 different packaging solutions including mixing with plastic bags and wrapping to support resilience for transporting.
The main packaging material are cardboards, even if often of highest standards in sustainability terms regarding recycling material, colors and certified virgin sources, packaging is and will remain a source of negative environmental footprint. Pallets are protected with black plastics to ensure safety against humidity and targeted crime, as well as single use padding and fillers added to ensure the safety technology, often in to generous volumes.
Packaging, particularly in the form of paper, cardboard, and plastic wraps, has a negative impact on our planet. While packaging protect goods, the extraction, production, and disposal of these materials pose serious environmental threats. Paper and cardboard require large amounts of timber, leading to deforestation, habitat loss, and a decrease in biodiversity. This disruption weakens ecosystems, diminishes carbon sequestration, and contributes to climate change.
Plastic wraps are even more harmful; derived from fossil fuels, they have a high carbon footprint and are notorious for their persistence in nature. Plastics break down into microplastics, polluting land and oceans, harming wildlife, and entering the food chain, which can affect human health. Even recycling, often touted as a solution, falls short due to the complexity and inefficiency of processing these materials.
Unboxing culture
With unboxing culture, manufacturers put a lot of emphasis on the visual appearance of the package and the unboxing experience rather than focusing on the necessity of the packaging itself. By doing so, the packaging often utilizes materials that are single-use and more difficult to recycle. Furthermore, more material is used than is actually needed, leading to excessive waste. Additionally, the use of multiple materials makes recycling more difficult due to the challenges in separating these materials. Since the packaging is more difficult and wasteful to create, more valuable resources are consumed.
Moreover, by placing more focus on the unboxing experience, manufacturers amplify consumerism by increasing the consumers’ desire for new products, which in turn fuels impulse buying. This behavior reduces the lifecycle of the product, encouraging constant consumption rather than sustainable use
Transports
FFoxway ships some million packages yearly and is part of a global network of both being a shipper to nearly 130 countries as well as importing from all main vendors that are part of a global complex network of transport dependency.
Foxway ships some million packages yearly and is part of a global network of both being a shipper to nearly 130 countries as well as importing from all main vendors that are part of a global complex network of transport dependency. The journey begins with the extraction of raw materials, often in mines located in distant regions. Transporting these raw materials to manufacturing hubs, mostly concentrated in Asia, relies heavily on shipping and trucking, both of which consume large amounts of fossil fuels,
contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and ecosystem disruption.
Once assembled, these devices are shipped to distributors in Europe adding additional carbon footprint. Every stage in this value chain, from mines to factories to final distribution, adds layers of emissions and waste. Air shipping, often used for faster delivery, is particularly carbon-intensive,
This supply chain impacts not only climate change but also contributes to local pollution in port cities and logistical hubs, creating health risks for nearby communities. Working conditions are usually poor in the industry as well as posing additional risks such as transport of invasive species from ships. The risks by the current on demand style of logistics adds further problems proven by the covid challenges. Overall transport poses a negative part of the complex value chain of tech.
Drop shipping and the consumer's need for fast delivery
With drop shipping, long supply chains are often required to deliver the product to the customer in a local market, which in turn increases emissions related to transportation. In many cases, the products are sourced from regions where manufacturing regulations are less stringent, which can result in more wasteful production processes.
Additionally, with consumers' need to receive their products as fast as possible, businesses are forced to rely on transportation methods that generate higher carbon emissions to meet consumer expectations. This demand drives carriers to invest in air transportation instead of focusing on more sustainable solutions, contributing to a higher environmental impact.
For example, to meet the consumer’s demand for fast delivery when shipping packages from Estonia, the only currently viable option is air transportation. Air transport is significantly more wasteful, emitting 3 to 8 times more CO₂ than road transport, and should be more expensive due to its environmental and operational costs. However, because carriers have prioritized investment in air transportation infrastructure, this more wasteful option has become less expensive and more widely used.
Additionally, the current sales channels we are utilizing do not even offer the customer a slower but less wasteful transportation option, despite their focus on reducing waste and promoting more sustainable alternatives to new devices. While these platforms emphasize sustainability in terms of promoting refurbished products, the fast-shipping model forces us to rely on air transport, which undermines these sustainability goals.
In many cases, like shipping from Estonia to countries such as Germany, France, or Spain, road transport could be a more sustainable and cost-effective option, if delivery expectations were adjusted. While it’s difficult to meet a 1-2 day delivery window using road transport for longer distances, a more reasonable timeframe of 3-4 days would make it feasible to deliver by road, significantly reducing emissions.
The positive
impact
Foxway is dedicated to enhancing the lifecycle of IT products with a key focus on sustainability and the circular economy. We aim to extend the lifespan of electronic devices through refurbishment, giving used devices a second, third, or even fourth lifetime, while also working to reduce the negative environmental footprint of our business and industry. By refurbishing and reusing devices, we help conserve valuable resources, reduce e-waste, and minimize the need for new production, thereby cutting down on the energy and raw materials required for manufacturing. This approach lowers greenhouse gas emissions and reduces pollution associated with the disposal of electronic products. To further mitigate our environmental impact, we focus on sustainable sourcing, energy-efficient processes, and reducing waste in our supply chain, ensuring that materials or devices that cannot be refurbished are responsibly recycled. Our mission aligns with the concepts of degrowth and circularity, as we strive to maximize resource efficiency, reduce consumption, and promote a circular economy.
Chemicals
Contact Person:
Kristi Loorits
-
Amount of chemicals in operation: approx. 75 (to be disclosed in near time)
Total weight of chemical waste: not yet monitored
Waste management of chemicals:Residues of chemicals and their packages are processed or incinerated by a company licensed and specialized in hazardous waste.
Refurbished Tech: A More Sustainable Beauty
The growing demand for sustainability has fortunately led some consumers and businesses to look beyond the allure of brand-new devices. Refurbished technology has become a viable alternative, offering a way to enjoy the beauty and functionality of modern gadgets without contributing as heavily to the environmental and health costs associated with producing new devices. While refurbished devices may not always have the latest designs or cutting-edge features, they provide a more ethical alternative for those who wish to balance functionality, cost, and environmental responsibility. Many refurbished products even come with warranties, offering peace of mind for consumers.
Beyond the consumer, refurbished tech offers several advantages, including cost savings and a reduction in electronic waste. By extending the lifecycle of a device through refurbishment, fewer raw materials are needed, and fewer harmful chemicals are released into the environment. It all depends on the way the companies refurbishing the tech tend to think and operate. The refurbishment process typically involves cleaning, testing, repairing, and making the device functionally as good as new. However, during the process of making them as good as new, companies are faced with the decision of whether to use the same harmful chemicals the manufacturers use, and by doing so, increase the sales value or somewhat compromise on the visual perfection of the device, and in relation to that, lose some of the planned gross margin.
When dissecting all the aspects of refurbishing, there is no way to get past using chemicals. Chemicals are needed to clean the devices of any previous wrong-doings (such as spilled drinks, phones drowned in the toilet, etc.). When repairing the device, sometimes it is also necessary to do some soldering. A process mainly involving the use of lead-based soldering wire, which has been the preferred material for electronic manufacturing for decades due to its low cost, lower melting point, and ease of use. There are lead-free options available on the market, but again, the price is higher, and so is the cost of production. Therefore, companies in the refurbishing business have to decide between the potential consequences in case of improper use and a safer, but more costly way of doing things.
When it comes to the esthetics of the devices, there are many different procedures that can make the device look nicer than when it arrived at the company responsible for refurbishing it. This includes, for example, polishing the screens to get rid of minor imperfections and repainting the devices to make them visually more appealing. The process of polishing, by default, is quite safe when done properly. However, in case of failure to comply with safe practices, using polishing compounds can cause skin and eye irritation and drowsiness when inhaled. Repainting the devices is a whole other ordeal. Referring to the previous section of the editorial: “.. To achieve the slim profiles and smooth finishes that consumers so deeply adore, manufacturers often rely on chemicals that contain isocyanates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as lead, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, and acetone.” Companies that put employee safety above profits, or keep them exclusively as important, should have special ventilated chambers, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and comprehensive employee training programs to ensure safety and compliance with applicable environmental and health and safety legislation. If not done properly, the cost of beauty in the tech industry becomes far greater than it should – at the expense of all living things. At the end of the day, besides gross margin, do the minor faults in the soft-to-touch feel of the device affect its intended purpose?
The Fox`way` of Doing Things
A modern workplace must commit to using its resources smarter, aim to accomplish sustainable and profitable growth, while reducing negative environmental impact[1]. Computers, mobile phones and other devices have a technical lifespan that far outlasts their commercial viability. Our business model provides a broader view of the value chain that helps our customers and society to act more sustainably[2].
Speaking only from my experience in Tartu, I can say with full confidence that there is a strong drive for efficient working environment, as well as establishing a sustainable culture of safe practices and environmental awereness. Our safety culture is shaped by the enduring values, norms, skills, attitudes, and practices related to safety that are ingrained throughout the company. We prioritize identifying and mitigating risks to our employees, the environment, and the community as a whole whenever possible.
As stated in the previous part of the editorial, there is no way to get past using chemicals when talking about refurbishing technology. To manage the risks associated with hazardous chemicals, we apply the principle of prevention, aiming to minimize harm to health and the environment by replacing these chemicals with safer alternatives when available and adopting safer technologies where feasible. Risk mitigation and elimination is always a collaborative effort between two parties: on one hand, the company's efforts to create a safe working environment, and on the other, the employees' awareness and application of safe practices. Together, these efforts enable us to continue contributing to the overall sustainability of our operations.
No device receives its “fresh” or, in some cases, improved appearance and functionality outside of designated workspaces where all necessary safety precautions are strictly followed. We ensure our working environment meets all relevant safety standards (including, but not limited to, proper ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), Safety Data Sheets, and other necessary provisions). At Foxway, the cost of beauty never comes at the expense of our employees' health and safety.
The Balance Between Esthetics and Responsibility
Our love for beautifully designed technology is unlikely to fade anytime soon. However, it is crucial to recognize the environmental and health trade-offs that often accompany the creation of such products. Sustainable practices, ethical production methods, and responsible consumption choices can help offset the negative effects of esthetic-driven tech manufacturing. There is a strong need to normalize the reality that a minor fault on the surface of the device does not compromise its functionality. Tech companies must also step up their efforts to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals, improve working conditions, and adopt more sustainable materials in product design. Greater transparency around the environmental and health impacts of manufacturing processes is also necessary to empower consumers to make informed decisions.
In a world where beauty increasingly defines tech innovation, the question remains: at what cost? As we push the boundaries of design and functionality, it is vital to ensure that the price of beauty in the tech industry is not paid in employee health and environmental degradation. Only by embracing sustainable practices, from product design to the use of refurbished technology, can we reap the beautiful fruits of tech while safeguarding the future of our planet and the well-being of its inhabitants.
At Foxway there is a strong drive for efficient working environment, as well as establishing a sustainable culture of safe practices and environmental awareness. Our safety culture is shaped by the enduring values, norms, skills, attitudes, and practices related to safety that are ingrained throughout the company. We prioritize identifying and mitigating risks to our employees, the environment, and the community as a whole whenever possible
[1] https://www.foxway.com/en/sustainability/
[2] https://www.foxway.com/en/
Packaging and Logistics
Contact Person:
Rainer Räkk
-
Estimated Procured volume sold (2023): 6.850 tonsNumber
of deliveries and packages > 1 mn
Aligned with EU taxonomy standards (2023): approx. 30%
Sustainable Packaging Optimization Project
Objective:
Optimize sustainable packaging across the Foxway Group, aligning with environmental goals and regulations.
Key Goals:
EU Taxonomy Compliance (Article 9)
Waste Reduction & Increased Recyclability
Cost Efficiency and Improved Customer Experience
Approach:
Standardize sustainable packaging across all entities by selecting eco-friendly materials, optimizing suppliers, and implementing solutions that meet regulatory and operational needs.
Focus:
Group-wide consolidation of packaging solutions to reduce waste, streamline costs, and align with sustainability standards.
Logistics Sustainability Project
Objective:
Enhance logistics sustainability through emission tracking and carrier performance assessment.
Key Goals:
Streamline emission data collection for better reporting
Evaluate transportation providers based on sustainability and service compatibility
Reduce carbon footprint based on gathered data
Approach:
Collaborate across entities for continuous improvement and assess logistics solutions for alignment with sustainability goals.
Focus:
Implementation of emission tracking and carbon footprint reduction for a more sustainable logistics operation.
Resource Efficiency
Material Recovery
Foxway’s recycling processes focus on recovering precious metals and other materials from electronic waste. This reduces the need for mining new materials, which is resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. By efficiently recovering materials, Foxway supports a more sustainable use of resources.
Energy Savings
Refurbishing devices often requires less energy than manufacturing new ones. By promoting the use of refurbished electronics, Foxway helps reduce the overall energy consumption associated with the production of new devices, thus lowering carbon emissions.
Waste reduction and recycling practices in a broader perspective
Contact Person:
John John Nilsson
-
Total waste volume (2023): 1299 tons
Non hazardous waste: 1286 tons
Hazardous waste: 13 tons
Reducing E-waste and mitigating the cost and problems in global E-waste streams
Foxway business is not managing, trading, selling or transporting waste. There has for a long time been a discourse and myth around the refurbishment industry that the industry is actively contributing to E-waste export by selling high quality functional devices on the global market. This assumption is based on a traditional, partly colonial view of if and how the Global south should be able to use and buy technology. To support democracy, education and equality connectivity and access to tech are important factors and contributors. To claim sales of functional high quality secondhand goods in the global flow of tech is negative or should be prohibited would obviously post a negative impact. To many schools, enterprises and individuals the choice of products given restraint financial reality the choice many times are a refurbished functional device from a reliable brand or a cheap, low-quality no-name product with uncertain lifespan. Both options risk ending up in a landfill and restricting or prohibiting a global trade could potentially worsen the situation. Foxways focuses on finding risk mitigating solutions, ensuring quality and looking at waste in a planetary perspective.
At Foxway, extending the lifespan of devices is not only crucial for a sane practice for environmental reasons but also holds an important role to reduce the overall creation of future E-waste. Extending the life of tech devices hopefully will contribute to less devices needed to be produced and in the global flow of goods less devices need to be recycled or even worse ending up in a landfill in the Global south. But alone refurbishment and recycling in the EU will not help to reduce the growing challenge of e-waste in other parts of work. A flow of functional, high quality refurbished tech devices will continue to be an important part of the supply chain in the Global south. This flow of goods and supply of devices face an obvious risk not being managed properly in that region due to lack of infrastructure and governance, read more under negative footprint “Waste”.
The Global E-Waste
Monitor 2024
To tackle this Foxway is investigating and will offer solutions and services to mitigate and reduce the damage made when products are put to market in a planetary perspective. During 2025 all customers will be nudged to participate in contribution to alternatives in the waste management area as part of the end-of-life responsibility. Currently the European extended producer responsibility and waste fee distributions do not take a global perspective in considerations.
Ensuring that non-working devices from Foxways operations end up at formal established recyclers after dismantling useful spare-parts and sorted properly is base standard and a key in minimizing landfill contribution or emissions in the recycling process. Foxway cooperates with the leading recyclers in the Nordics, and the EU.
When managing our global partners and clients we have established a large network of IT-refurbishes, dismantling partners and logistic networks to properly manage return of tech equipment. The parts of operation being done in” Global-south” are obviously more challenging given the lack of proper recycling centers, a huge informal waste sector and harder to govern working conditions and value chain. This is one of our focus areas going forward with an increased number of interactions, guidance and audits. In 2024 we performed audits in three regions (Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America) with pointed out opportunities for improvements. Even if the regions offer a risk of operations, Foxway does its best to perform the services with as good local processes as possible, and if needed transport the secondhand devices back to Europe for refurbishment and re-use of no options available.
E-Waste’s bigger picture and planetary role in sustainability
E-Waste has developed into a system that is comfortable with zero accountability. Where greed and capital gains are at focus. Every year, billions of euros worth of critical raw materials are discarded. With informal recycling are flourishing to make quick and short profits. Meanwhile the world’s poorest populations are left to deal with handling the hazardous waste exported by the Global North. According to The Global E-Waste Statistics Partnership, this has resulted to 78 billion USD in external costs, impacting human health and environment. Due to the lack of industrial knowledge and technology capacity, plastic leakages, emissions, and hazardous substances the Global North has crippled any possibility of sustainable development in the affected developing countries like Nigera, Algeria, Libya, and many more to develop or have any chance to meet the upcoming challenges.
PACE - A New Circular Vision for Electronics
The average lifespan for an individual working at informal recycling sites ranges from just 30 to 50 years old. This due to the dangerous and unhealthy working conditions. Without any proper recycling handling these workers face increasingly slim chance to withstand the increasing stream of e-waste.
Impact Rather than Disclosure.
Foxway is committed to reducing the consumeristic linear approach to tech, visualize the reality and focus more on accountability than accounting (see the looking ahead section). What Foxway actually can to is increased awareness, refuse to offer and sell “single use” short live devices, avoid nudging consumption and cooperate with enterprises that act to reduce the global damages from e-waste. We will not settle with compliance, diplomas and high ratings to often with low or no real impact. We are committed to an authentical sustainable approach and will do our best to take accountability in relations to our business operations.
Waste from our own production and operations
Foxway main source of waste, and to some extent pollution, comes from packaging and chemicals involved in our operations (see section chemicals). To reduce our own amount of waste we have initiated a project to align with taxonomy, optimize use of re-usable packaging, engaging in bulk shipments with combined packaging solutions. We are currently also investigating how cardboard can be re-used or utilized more than one time. We expect the total waste related to these operations to be reduced potentially by some 30% in relations to revenue nearest three years with the packaging project (see the packaging section)
Foxway is also receiving unwanted waste from customers and trade-in partners that has been hard to track, stop and manage. With a dedicated management focused on transforming “waste” into re-use even if outside of Foxway’s core business, and advising partners we expect to reduce this waste stream with at least 50% until 2028 in relation to revenue.
Circular Economy Approach
Device Refurbishment and Reselling
Foxway extends the lifespan of electronic devices by refurbishing and reselling them. This reduces the demand for new products and decreases the need for raw material extraction, minimizing environmental impact. By keeping products in use for longer, Foxway contributes to reducing electronic waste and conserving resources.
Recycling Programs
Foxway offers comprehensive recycling services to ensure that end-of-life electronics are processed responsibly. By recovering valuable materials from discarded devices, Foxway helps reduce landfill waste and minimizes the environmental footprint associated with raw material extraction.
Product Lifecycle Extension
Foxway’s operations are centered around the circular economy model, which seeks to close the loop on product lifecycles. By refurbishing and recycling electronics, Foxway ensures that products are used to their fullest potential, reducing waste and the need for new materials.
Sustainability and Innovation
Circular economy principles encourage innovation in product design and resource use. Foxway’s initiatives support this by finding innovative ways to refurbish and recycle electronic products, demonstrating how businesses can operate sustainably and profitably.
Degrowth
Resource Conservation
The degrowth movement advocates for reducing consumption and production to achieve ecological balance. Foxway’s focus on refurbishing and extending the life of electronic products aligns with degrowth principles by reducing the demand for new devices and the resources required to produce them.
Reduced Consumption
By promoting the use of refurbished devices, Foxway encourages consumers to rethink the necessity of purchasing new electronics. This shift in consumer behavior is crucial for the degrowth movement, which emphasizes sustainability over consumerism.
The more-than-human concept challenges the division between humans and nature by recognizing that human existence is intricately intertwined with the non-human world, encompassing all living and non-living entities. Timothy Morton’s idea of hyperobjects — vast entities like climate change and pollution that are beyond human perception yet profoundly affect our lives — further dissolves this boundary. Similarly, T.J. Demos, in Decolonizing Nature, argues for rethinking our relationship with nature, urging us to move away from exploitative practices toward a more holistic and equitable coexistence. To address the current and future challenges, we must embrace these perspectives, recognizing that the fate of humans and the planet are inseparably linked.
The materials also come into existence as a force when the political, geographical and economic situation are right for them to do so. Since then, resources 'require' the West to lack specific raw materials, prompting the exploitation of the South's land and labor. Coal for a long time was dug from deep cast mines and the shafts required pumping out which created the steam engine which in turn required pumping out which in turn required more coal and more labor. Tantalum “requires” political unrest in the Congo, kids playing Sony Games.
Matthew Fuller, Pits to Bits: Interview with Graham Harwood
Since the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century, our relationship with the Earth has been defined by labour and exploitation, a trend that continues into the 21st century with the digital revolution. The West has always been “required” to lack certain raw materials, leading to the exploitation of the land and labour of the Global South.
Who owns natural resources and who receives profits from them? How do wage labour, colonialism, and exploitation shape our relationship with both the Earth and each other? How does the acceleration of digital processes counteract the slowness of geological processes?