Exploring the Future of Sustainable IT


Exploring the Future of Sustainable IT

Exploring the Future of Sustainable IT


In April, CONTEXT led a keynote during a workshop at the RE: A Sustainable IT Summit - in Dubai. 

The summit was a platform for sharing crucial industry facts and sparking discussions around sustainable IT solutions. CONTEXT delivered a truly insightful and interactive keynote session which highlighted the diverse impacts of sustainable practises within the technology channel, laying the groundwork for meaningful conversations about the future of the industry.

One of the key points highlighted by CONTEXT was the necessity for quality, standardised data to drive effective decision–making in the realm of sustainable IT. With Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations taking centre stage, electronics channel players are facing increasing pressure to respond to compliance mandates and customer demands. However, a lack of comprehensive data has hindered their ability to make informed choices.

In response to this challenge, CONTEXT is pioneering innovative solutions to empower distributors and resellers in the industry, including a Product ESG Database. This database aims to provide detailed carbon footprint and ecolabel data at both product range and SKU levels. By offering easy access to ESG information, distributors and resellers can make informed decisions that are aligned with environmental goals. In addition to this CONTEXT has begun tracking the Refurbished and Remanufactured Product Market, in response to  the growing importance of second–life products. This initiative provides stakeholders with the necessary information to navigate the market for refurbished and remanufactured products effectively.

At the heart of the summit was a thought–provoking keynote delivered by Howard Davies, CEO & co–founder of CONTEXT. Howard urged attendees to explore the potential of sustainable IT within their organisations. He discussed the exciting possibilities of remanufactured laptops in increasing channel margins, challenging conventional notions of circularity in technology.

The summit led to several key takeaways

The emerging market for second–life laptops is set to present both opportunities and challenges for channel distributors, resellers, and OEMs. While second–life products could offer additional margin opportunities for distributors and resellers, there’s a concern that it may reduce revenues for OEMs. However, the overall market is expected to grow as the use of laptops increases globally.

CONTEXT also noted that transitioning to an “as a service” model is crucial for OEMs to achieve genuine circularity and unlock recurring revenue streams. Resellers play a vital role in educating end–users about the benefits of second–life products, akin to the relationship between car owners and dealerships for servicing.

Although there are additional costs associated with second–life products, such as compliance and quality certifications, the market is expected to boom, especially in the USA, following the 2025 election and the post–COVID refresh cycle.

However, there are some challenges that remain, including the standardisation across regions and the difficulty of integrating second–life products into multinational organisations’ procurement processes. 

As we reflect on the insights shared at the summit, it is clear that collaboration and innovation will be key in shaping the future of sustainable IT. By taking the power of data–driven solutions and embracing circularity, we can build a more sustainable and resilient IT ecosystem for generations to come.

To learn more about CONTEXT’s initiatives and insights from the summit, visit the CONTEXT MEA LinkedIn page.

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Let’s work together to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in technology.


 

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