Launch of the “Re” circular economy initiative throughout Europe
Each year, more than 1.5 billion mobile phones are manufactured worldwide yet just 1-2% of these phones are recycled globally.
On
October 8, 2020, Orange launched the “Re” initiative, based around three
pillars: recycling, returns and refurbishment. The goal was to raise public
awareness of the environmental impact of mobile phones, recycling, and give a
second life to mobile equipmentand therefore consolidate Orange’s commitment to
the circular economy in all our activities and practices.
In
October 2021, Orange extended this commitment by establishing the initiative's
fourth pillar: repairs.
Orange
now allows all of its customers to give a second life to their phone.
- Recycling
Orange recycles phones that no longer work and/or have no cash value. In France, all profits from recycling are donated to the Emmaüs International network.
- Returns
Orange customers can trade in their phone in-store for an immediate discount or credit voucher. Returns can give a second life to the mobile and in France, 2 euros from each return are donated to the Emmaüs International network.
- Refurbishment
As an alternative to buying a brand-new phone, Orange offers a range of refurbished phones for sale, collaborating with experts in second-hand mobiles: Recommerce, Intancia, Cordon, Renewd.
- Repairs
Mobiles can be dropped off and then collected after being repaired at 530 Orange stores in metropolitan France. On average, the phone is repaired within 24 hours. The customer can track the repair automatically by email and SMS. Repairs receive a 12-month warranty.
Since
its launch in France, the “Re” initiative has ramped up the collection rate
(recycling + returns) of used mobiles, from 13.4% in 2020 to 22.3% in 2021, in
line with the 30% target Orange has set for 2025.
In
total, around 1.9 million mobiles have been returned and recycled since the
initiative launched.
Based
on this experience in France, Orange has decided to continue its efforts to
develop this initiative, and in 2022 it is extending and launching the “Re”
initiative in all countries in Europe where the Group operates.
Following
successful launches in Luxembourg, Belgium, and Poland at the start of the
year, Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, and Spain will launch the initiative in the
coming months.
Mari-Noëlle
Jégo-Laveissière, Deputy CEO, Europe at Orange, explains: “I am delighted
and proud that Orange is consolidating its commitment and its initiatives to
support the circular economy and sustainable development by launching the Re
initiative throughout Europe. This launch will not only give us a unified
insight into our commitments, but it will also allow us to support and guide
our customers, and, more generally, the general public with their responsible
actions. We offer a true ‘toolbox’ to help limit the environmental impact of
mobile phones.”
The results of the international Solidarity FabLabs challenge live on the Orange stage at ChangeNOW
The
international challenge is aimed at young people looking to enter the world of
work, who Orange trains for free at our Solidarity
FabLabs.
This year, the projects directly address UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 2: "End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture."
Over the past few months, 15 “AgriMakers” projects from 10 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East were shortlisted by the Orange Foundation, with three then chosen by the online audience and jury.
These
three remaining teams, chosen as finalists on May 10, will be put to a public
vote on ChangeNOW’s main stage.
Discover
the three projects here
Committed speeches throughout the summit
To promote Orange’s commitments to the environment at a leading event, and support entrepreneurial momentum to benefit sustainable growth, Orange speeches are planned throughout the event:
- Friday, May 20 at 11:15 on the ChangeNOW main stage: “Corporate responsibility: from collaborations to coalitions”
Christel Heydemann, Orange CEO, will review the importance of collaboration to globally drive the ecological transition.
- Friday, May 20 at 13:45 on one of the ChangeNOW main stages: “Social innovation as a driver for business”
Elizabeth Tchoungui, Orange Executive Director, CSR, will discuss social innovation and inclusion, which are not only essential for accelerating change, but also a driver for business.
- Friday, May 20 in the afternoon on the ChangeNOW Live TV stage: “Launch of the Re initiative in Europe”
