Device Lifecycle Management: Proof that sustainability doesn’t have to come at a huge cost to the Earth

If you’ve ever decided to buy a new phone, you know how difficult the choice can be, especially if it’s been a while since your last purchase.

First, technology evolves, from the cell phone itself to software development. Then there are the cost considerations; you need to know what your priorities are for a new device and how much you are willing to spend or sacrifice.

Finally, for many people, sustainability is becoming increasingly important. As a result renovated the market is booming, sales have increased 83 percent* in the last year for consumers and businesses, 32 percent Britons have a refurbished phone.

Now imagine having to do this process for 250 or more people. It’s a task that thousands of businesses face every year, and mobile phones are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday operations.

While the thought may seem daunting, the flip side of the coin is that the potential benefits of a successful process can be multiplied many times over – from productivity results to cost savings to environmental impact.

Provided that you implement a comprehensive device lifecycle management service.

Creating the right environment

Sustainability is a hugely important part of most companies’ business models. However, for many organisations, with a wide range of different departments and ways of working, implementing initiatives that have an equal impact across the business can be difficult.

For example, some employees may travel more as part of their job duties, while some office locations may be better positioned for waste reduction or recycling than others.

One way to ensure that employees have equal opportunities, regardless of role or location, is to use mobile devices.

This is mainly because the phones can be leased in bulk. Then, once refurbished, the devices can be returned, safely wiped clean and resold – extending their useful life by up to five years.

Through our own company Vodafone Business Device Lifecycle Management For example, under the DLM program, 95 percent of returned devices are given a second life.

As part of this work, we are also ensuring that the same amount of equipment destined for landfill in African countries is collected and sustainably recycled in Europe.

By acting individually, we can ensure that valuable minerals are returned to the value chain, reducing electronic waste when 62 million tons is produced annually.

What’s more, for each rental device, we compensate for its carbon footprint both during production and throughout the rental period, providing semi-annual reports demonstrating the company’s contribution to environmental protection.

Reduce impact, maintain results

Moreover, sustainability no longer means sacrificing other priorities.

For cost-conscious businesses, mobile phone leasing also has financial benefits. From eliminating the need to tie up funds on outright purchases to being able to write off leasing as an operating expense against profits, it’s literally worth taking the route.

Meanwhile, the Vodafone exchange program and Great British Technology Appeal enabling businesses to recover the residual value of old equipment, contributing to both social and environmental good circular economy during.

Productivity isn’t compromised either, as leasing means it’s never been easier to upgrade equipment. In turn, employees can keep the best tools for the job at hand. This is incredibly important in today’s era of hybrid and remote work, where employees increasingly rely on technology that works just as well at home as it does in the office.

Similarly, businesses need equipment and processes that provide the highest possible level of security. That’s why at the end of a device lease, Vodafone securely wipes all data before restoring the phones to their original settings.

Life Cycle Lens

When it comes to purchasing a new device – whether for yourself or your business – it’s important to put your own experience with the process at the center of your attention.

And why not, when you might be excited about buying a new phone for yourself or equally anxious at the thought of buying a few hundred for your crew.

Next time you’re faced with a task like this, try turning it on its head by taking into account the experience and lifecycle of the phone itself – not your own.

Consider where cell phones come from, how they will be used, and what will happen to them when they are no longer needed.

This is the holistic approach that Vodafone takes with our DLM solutions. It’s one way we’re helping to build a digital society that doesn’t come at the expense of our planet. And I’m sure it’s one that will improve your own experience and that of your business.

Nick Gliddon is a director of Vodafone Business UK.

*Based on growth in Vodafone refurbished handset sales from FY2023 to FY2024