Sustainability Report - FY 2023

Environmental Information Resource use and circular economy

6.4

Resource use and circular economy

Context Recognising the scale of the challenge and the need for decisive action, Exclusive Networks has a clear ambition: to achieve the recycling of 100% of end-of-life products by 2030, with 2022 as the base year . This ambitious initiative is part of a broader strategic framework, aimed at deeply embedding the principles of circularity within the Company’s business model, illustrating a symbiosis between economic growth and environmental responsibility. Integrating circularity into the business model Exclusive Networks is committed to re-evaluating and enriching its circularity strategy, closely aligning it with its business model. The aim is to create a symbiosis between economic growth and environmental responsibility, thus transforming the challenges of circularity into strategic opportunities. Optimisation of the Take-Back Programme Exclusive Networks takes a proactive approach to recycling through its take-back programme, which recovers end-of-life products sold to customers, as well as those used for training and demonstrations. This commitment is concrete in a multitude of countries, from France to the United States, including India and Australia. Each subsidiary processes an average of 1,500kg of recycled material, i.e. approximately 40 metric tonnes for the entire Group. Exclusive Networks plans to enhance this programme in 2024 to maximise the efficiency of end-of-life product collection and recycling, ensuring that each product returns to the economic cycle in one form or another. In-depth Impact, Risk and Opportunity Assessment (IRO) Recognising the importance of a nuanced understanding of the issues, the Exclusive Networks group plans to conduct detailed assessments. These will help pinpoint the impacts, opportunities and risks associated with its circularity practices, thus illuminating the path to informed strategic decisions. Exclusive Networks’ impact is not limited to e-waste management (WEEE). The Company is also shaping the future through its support and maintenance business, extending the life of equipment. In addition, the eco design of solutions and Green IT are at the heart of its strategy, significantly reducing the environmental footprint.

Management policy To achieve these ambitions, the development of a robust management policy is crucial. Exclusive Networks is committed to developing and implementing a policy that will govern its circularity initiatives, ensuring consistency, accountability, and efficiency at all levels of the organisation. This management would not be possible without the involvement of stakeholders. Exclusive Networks’ strength lies in its ability to forge strategic partnerships with experts in e-waste management, such as IWASTE (UK), Paprec (France), and NORMSRECYCLING (US). These collaborations not only ensure compliance and environmental responsibility, but also promote a cleaner, greener industry. Exclusive Networks’ vendors, such as Fortinet, are pioneers in product improvement. This is evidenced by the 66% reduction in average energy consumption of the new 2022 models. Resellers, like NTT Data, are also contributing to this momentum by integrating circular design into their operations to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Revision of waste management targets The Group plans to revise its targets for waste disposal, resource reuse and its contribution to the European circular economy. This effort aims to align its practices with the highest standards and position Exclusive Networks as a sustainability leader in the digital sector. Exclusive Networks recognises the importance of raising awareness among its resellers and educating them on circularity principles, and is committed to implementing dedicated training programmes, to ensure a thorough understanding and effective application of these principles in their day-to-day operations. In addition, by collaborating with non-profit organisations, Exclusive Networks will strive to give a second life to certain equipment, thus enhancing its social and environmental impact.

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Exclusive Networks SA

2023 Sustainability Report