Green Retail World starts the week with a quick news-in-brief round-up of events from the retail sustainability space.
Back Market tackles Microsoft’s planned obsolescence
On 14 October, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10, effectively rendering up to 400 million functional computers obsolete overnight. Microsoft will stop providing free software updates, technical support and security patches for its operating system.
The machines will work but they might be forced into early retirement because they don’t meet the hardware requirements of Windows 11.
In response to what it predicts will be an “imminent wave of e-waste”, refurbished tech marketplace Back Market has launched the £99 ‘Obsolete Computer’ box: a refurbished laptop, preconfigured and ready to use, designed to bypass Microsoft’s forced update. The initiative is available in France, Germany, Spain and the UK.
Each refurbished PC is prepared to function like any other. For those who want to adapt their existing machines, Back Market will also provide tutorials, empowering people to extend the lifespan of their own laptops at home.
Amandine Durr, chief product officer at Back Market, commented: “Condemning hundreds of millions of still perfectly functional PCs because of a simple software update is absurd.
“With this £99 box, Back Market shows that it is possible to extend the lifespan of devices, guarantee digital inclusion and avoid unnecessary electronic waste.”
New Look’s tech donations making a difference
A four-year partnership between fashion retailer New Look and community support organisation SocialBox.Biz continues to make a difference and go from strength to strength, the two companies have said.
New Look donates unwanted technology to SocialBox.Biz so it can be redeployed to those in need, boosting digital inclusion and helping support people as they seek new jobs and family connections.
Peter Paduh, founder of SocialBox.Biz, said the ongoing donations are “creating new opportunities and transforming lives”.
Melissa Craft, head of sourcing at New Look, noted the partnership allows the retailer to give tech a second life.
“Reuse plays an important role in our ‘Kind to the Core’ strategy in action, which guides our efforts to deliver lasting meaningful impact through responsible business practices.”
Asket turns to Paptic for packaging
Fashion retailer Asket has selected Paptic as a packaging partner, as part of a refesh marking its 10th anniversary since it formed in Stockholm.
Paptic provides packaging, bags, and product wrapping, and it calls itself a “next generation sustainable packaging” provider.
David Lloyd preloved sportswear project
Circular economy sports marketplace Kitround hasd reported a successful preloved sportwear project with gym chain David Lloyd Clubs.
Over the course of six weeks, Kitround helped the business collect more than 12,300 items – from tennis racquets to gym leggings – which were donated by members across 103 David Lloyd Clubs.
The items were processed, and listed for resale on Kitround.com, helping give many of the products a second life rather than being thrown away.
Tom Matthews, Kitround’s sustainability manager and the architect behind the kitround360 solution supporting the preloved project, added: “Kitround360 is more than a dashboard it’s a catalyst for change.
“It gives our partners real-time visibility into the environmental and social impact of their kit donations, helping build the infrastructure for a truly circular sports economy.”
Virgin Media O2 expands tech rehoming initiative
Virgin Media O2 and Coventry City Council are expanding the #CovConnects programme to rehome more unused devices with people who need them across the city.
The partnership aims to scale up a tech reuse initiative that tackles e-waste by collecting unwanted tech, such as laptops, tablets and smartphones, from businesses and public sector organisations, before distributing it to digitally excluded people.
The 18-month project aims to boost digital inclusion by helping more Coventry residents get online, while promoting a circular economy model that reduces environmental impact.
[image credit: Green Retail World]
