#SustyTalk: Canon’s Andy Tomkins on preventing e-waste and creating a circular economy for plastics

With edie readers working remotely or on furlough, this brand new series of video interviews keeps you connected to the inspirational business leaders who are continuing to drive sustainability and champion climate action from their own homes.

#SustyTalk is all about keeping edie’s loyal readers connected to sustainable business leaders across the world, whilst reminding us all that sustainability and climate action must go on through the current Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. 

The latest episode sees edie’s senior reporter Sarah George speaking with Canon’s sustainability engagement manager for EMEA, Andy Tomkins.

Tomkins discusses how we can create a more circular economy for electronics and electricals – the world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream. According to the UN’s global e-waste monitor, a record 53.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2019, valued at $57bn. Less than 18% was confirmed as collected and recycled.

For Tomkins, the solution partly lies in equipment-as-a-service models, whereby customers lease hardware from the manufacturer and return it at the end of its working life for refurbishment or recycling. This business model is currently more mature in the B2B space than for B2C.

Tomkins also provides learnings from Canon’s work to create a more circular economy for its paper, ink cartridges and plastic packaging.

Click here to see our catalogue of #SustyTalk video interviews.

Want to be featured on a future episode of #SustyTalk? Email newsdesk@fav-house.com. Please bear in mind that our interview calendar is typically booked several weeks in advance. 

edie Staff