At MWC 2025, industry leaders gathered for the panel Rethinking Supply Chains: How Tech Can Clean Up Its Act to explore how technology companies can embrace circular supply chain models. With telecom networks and consumer electronics producing vast amounts of e-waste, it’s time for change.
Among the key voices at the discussion, TXO led the conversation on how telecom operators can extend the lifespan of their networks, reduce costs, and make measurable ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) impacts. Here’s what we learned about the future of sustainable supply chains and how TXO is leading the charge.
The Circular Economy: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
With over 1.5 billion smartphones sold annually and only 5-10% of them properly recycled, the need for a circular economy in tech has never been more pressing. The European Commission is already taking steps by introducing digital product passports, set to become law by 2027, ensuring transparency in materials and lifecycle management. However, regulatory pressure alone won’t solve the problem—industry leaders must take action.
This is where TXO is making a difference. By pioneering asset recovery and circularity in telecoms, we’re proving that sustainability doesn’t just benefit the planet—it also makes commercial sense.
How TXO is helping operators build greener, more profitable supply chains
At TXO, we work closely with operators worldwide to extend the lifetime of their networks. Our approach delivers three core benefits:
- Extended Lifespan of Equipment – By repairing, refurbishing, and reusing network assets, operators can reduce the need for new equipment purchases while maintaining performance.
- Significant Cost Savings – Sourcing high-quality, pre-owned telecom equipment lowers capital expenditure without compromising reliability.
As our Head of Asset Recovery, David Evans, put it:
The more operators embrace circularity, the easier it is for others to do the same. Every reused asset saves emissions and revenue—it’s a win-win.
Despite skepticism about used telecom equipment, TXO ensures quality, testing, and reliability to remove any barriers to adoption. The reality is that a refurbished part, tested to the highest standards, performs just as well as a new one but at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact.
Beyond TXO: How the Industry is Responding
Fairphone: Making Devices Last Longer
Fairphone is proving that smartphones don’t have to follow the outdated ‘make-use-dispose’ model. Their modular devices are designed for longevity, allowing users to easily replace parts like batteries and screens, extending the product’s life and reducing waste. By providing software updates for up to 8 years, Fairphone is setting a new benchmark for durability in the industry.
NFC Forum: Enabling Digital Product Passports
The NFC Forum is actively working on integrating digital product passports into consumer electronics, helping the industry comply with upcoming EU regulations. This initiative will track product materials, repairability, and end-of-life options, providing consumers with the transparency needed to make informed choices.
However, as Mike McCamon of the NFC Forum noted
Many in the industry are still unprepared for these changes, and it’s time to act fast
TXO’s approach already aligns with these regulations, making it easier for telecoms to stay ahead of compliance requirements.
A Call to Action: It’s Time to Be Bold
The biggest takeaway from the panel? Change is happening—but we need to move faster.
For businesses looking to make their supply chains more sustainable, TXO’s message is simple: Just try it.
- Stop buying new by default. Consider high-quality refurbished equipment that delivers the same performance at lower cost and impact.
- Partner with experts. TXO provides end-to-end solutions, from testing to quality assurance, ensuring operators can confidently embrace circularity.
As industries move towards longevity—for products, materials, and networks—TXO is at the forefront, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
The future of supply chains isn’t just about being ‘smart’—it’s about being smarter. And that means making technology work for the planet as well as for people.