Schneider Electric launches circular UPS initiative in France

Schneider Electric has announced the successful implementation of its industry-first circular economy initiative for APC Smart-UPS uninterruptible power supplies in France.

Initially trialled in France, the programme was a collaborative effort with distributor Ingram Micro, focusing on increasing the sustainability and circularity of single-phase UPS solutions. This initiative aligns with customer requirements for responsible and sustainable systems without compromising on performance metrics such as resiliency and energy efficiency.

The solutions introduced by Schneider Electric allow French partners to tap into the growing market for circular IT equipment. This approach is designed to help reduce the carbon emissions associated with these systems, with assurance that there will be no decline in the operational efficiency of the UPS devices.

Schneider Electric's initiative has seen uptake from several prominent French customers, including CGR Cinemas. The company plans to extend these projects to partners and customers across Europe, in countries such as the UK, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

An essential component of Schneider Electric's new offering is a comprehensive take-back service across France. Through local repair centres, the process involves replacing, recycling, and conducting robust testing, all intended to deliver quality power protection products with reduced CO2 emissions.

Geoffrey Richard, Circular Economy Director at Schneider Electric in France, stated: "When we first set out to establish our circular UPS offer, our ambition was to ensure that there was no compromise on the efficiency, resilience and the sustainability of our industrial processes, and to create sustainable solutions that deliver the same level of quality and reliability our customers expect. Through these new UPS, our partners can meet customer demands for sustainable solutions safe in the knowledge that they are making a significant contribution to environmental sustainability, and that their customers will benefit from the same warranty as standard Schneider Electric Smart-UPS models."

Sandrine Vigor, Sustainability Manager at Ingram Micro, France, said: "As one of the largest distributors in Europe, Ingram Micro is on a mission to help our partners and their customers run better, grow faster, and become more mindful of the impacts their actions have on people and our planet. We're delighted to have partnered with Schneider Electric to bring this industry-first initiative to life, and one which aligns so closely with the values of our IngramMicroESG program perfectly - supporting our ambitions to help businesses become more sustainable, globally."

Research conducted by Canalys indicates a burgeoning interest in sustainability solutions, with 50% of partners expecting to derive revenue from such initiatives and 92% of customers seeking advice on sustainable procurement, including circular IT systems.

Schneider Electric's offer aims to cater to this market demand by supporting partners with recycling and replacement services, all while conforming to various environmental directives and agreements across Europe.

The Circularity Gap report of 2023 suggests that transitioning to a circular economy could meet human needs while reducing resource extraction. Schneider Electric's research supports these findings, showing that circular economy products can reduce CO2 emissions by 35% compared to newly manufactured goods.

Schneider Electric's circular UPS services include extensive processes such as the recovery and refurbishment of key components like batteries and switches, ensuring compliance with quality and warranty standards equivalent to new products.

The implementation of these circular solutions also mitigates risks related to raw material fluctuations and reduces Scope 3 emissions associated with production processes.

The CGR Cinemas group, a notable adopter of these circular UPS solutions, operates over 700 theatres in France and has integrated Schneider Electric's systems to enhance its operational sustainability and efficiency.

Michael Cron, Logistics and Purchasing Director at CGR Group, commented, "Schneider Electric's choice was natural, as their commitment to environmentally friendly products is in perfect harmony with our values of sustainability. Their innovative and eco-friendly approach, while meeting our high-performance requirements, is fully in line with our ambitions for environmental responsibility and efficiency. This choice, both technical and economic, can only be realised and sustained through common interaction and collaboration."