Source Intelligence > Case Studies > Implementing IoT for Effective E-Waste Management and Traceability

Implementing IoT for Effective E-Waste Management and Traceability

Technology Category

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Cloud Middleware & Microservices
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Application Development Platforms

Applicable Industries

Recycling & Waste Management
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Procurement

Use Cases

In-process Traceability
Supply Chain Visibility

About The Customer

Closing the Loop is a company that is committed to offsetting the environmental impact of the telecommunications industry by collecting and recycling a scrap phone for every new phone their customers order. They operate primarily in Africa, where the problem of electronic waste is growing daily. The company's operations not only contribute to reducing environmental damage, pollution, hazardous waste, and health issues but also generate jobs for local phone collectors and entrepreneurs. Their business model involves shipping the collected scrap phones to Europe for recycling, as there are no proper recycling facilities available locally in Africa.

The Challenge

Closing the Loop, a company that collects and recycles scrap phones, was facing a significant challenge in managing the traceability of the scrap phones they collect in Africa. The e-scrap problem in Africa is growing daily, and proper recycling facilities are not available locally. Therefore, the scrap phones are shipped and recycled in Europe. This process creates jobs for phone collectors and entrepreneurs in Africa and reduces environmental damage, pollution, hazardous waste, and health issues. However, ensuring that every new phone is compensated with the collection and recycling of a scrap phone was a complex task. The scrap phones are collected in batches, paid by the kilo, and then consolidated into big bags, which are further consolidated into shipping containers to be sent to smelters in Europe.

The Solution

To address this challenge, Closing the Loop implemented ChainPoint software to trace the batches of scrap phones collected in Africa. The software links all information regarding batches, big bags, containers, and smelters together, ensuring full traceability of the entire supply chain. For every phone ordered, there is a specific amount of scrap that needs to be collected. ChainPoint's platform automatically converts every order into kilograms, simplifying the process. The platform configured for Closing the Loop was built with several functions, including traceability from collector to smelter, conversion from kilograms of scrap to units of phones, and supplier onboarding. This solution provided a comprehensive approach to managing the traceability and recycling of scrap phones.

Operational Impact

The implementation of ChainPoint software has significantly improved the operational efficiency of Closing the Loop. The company can now ensure that every new phone is compensated with the collection and recycling of a scrap phone, thereby fulfilling their commitment to offsetting the environmental impact of the telecommunications industry. The software's ability to link all information regarding batches, big bags, containers, and smelters together has ensured full traceability of the supply chain. This has not only improved the company's operational transparency but also enhanced their credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of their customers and stakeholders. Furthermore, the automation of the conversion of phone orders into kilograms of scrap to be collected has simplified the process and reduced the potential for errors.

Quantitative Benefit

Achieved full traceability of the entire supply chain, from collector to smelter
Automated conversion of phone orders into kilograms of scrap to be collected
Streamlined supplier onboarding process