Sustainability

Driving the shift to circular tech

Foxway operates in the tech industry with a clear focus: enabling circular tech. Instead of following the traditional linear model – where devices are manufactured, used, and then discarded – we challenge the way technology is consumed.

Through our business model, we extend the lifecycle of devices, reduce waste, and maximise the value of existing resources. By doing so, we help minimise the environmental and social impact of tech and contribute to building a more sustainable and responsible tech ecosystem.

Our sustainability vision 2028

What is authentically sustainable?

Grounded in reality

Our sustainability strategy is rooted in a realistic understanding of the physical environment we operate in — a world with finite resources. We are moving beyond sustainability as a mere compliance issue, regulatory requirement, risk management perspective or a simple marketing tool. Instead:

We aim to hardcode sustainability into our business strategy in a way that also aims to transform the surrounding system.

So that we are not trying to retrofit sustainability into an inherently unsustainable system, but rather we wish to be part of a growing movement for systemic change where sustainability and value creation go hand in hand, connecting new economic thinking with business action.

Circularity x sufficiency

As economist Tim Jackson wisely noted, “More is only better when there’s not enough.” This perspective is critical when examining today’s consumerism patterns. While individual choices matter, businesses – including ours – have played a central role in driving the endless cycle of consumption. To break this, we need to shift to a sufficiency paradigm that prioritizes high-quality products designed for longevity and ease of repair.

Sufficiency measures fall into two categories:

Avoiding unnecessary and excessive consumption. Shifting from environmentally intensive products to low-impact alternatives.

For us, this translates to using circular “Device as a Service” (DaaS) business models, instead of doing “linear” sales, and to offering refurbished devices, which carry a much smaller environmental footprint compared to new products (check our Handprint reports for specific numbers).

A circular, degrowth oriented future

We want to establish ourselves as

authentically sustainable circular-tech company, aligned with the principles of degrowth

particularly in addressing the harmful aspects of the tech industry. Our approach to degrowth focuses on reducing:

  1. excess, unnecessary consumption
  2. production and consumption of cheap short-lived devices that are used only for 2–3 years and then scrapped, and instead argument for doing more sustainable tech choices that has a longer life-span.
  3. premature planned obsolescence
  4. exploitative industry practices, especially in the beginning of the supply chain where people are stripped of their dignity and forced to work in inhumane conditions in artisanal mines

In essence, our vision calls for an end to mindless consumerism and a shift in the tech sector toward greater circularity, leading to a reduction in the use of virgin resources. Degrowth is not a radical political agenda but, in the words of Triodos Bank Chief Economist Hans Stegeman “a pragmatic economic policy in times of increasing scarcity”, focussed on reducing excess consumption and unnecessary waste.

In our view, it’s a business continuity imperative. But for it to work, we need not just focus on ourselves, but rather try to shift the whole market so that business overall can profit from transition to a circular economy, which operates within planetary boundaries and aligns with the realities of a resource-constrained world.

As degrowth and post-growth paradigms gain momentum, with endorsements from thought leaders, scientists, policymakers, and organizations like the IPCC, we believe Foxway has a unique opportunity to advocate for this approach in the corporate world, championing for a genuinely sustainable model of tech consumption.

Our philosophy

The principles that guide us

Confronting the realities of the world we operate in

High-income countries have long adopted unsustainable consumption patterns, pushing us into ecological overshoot. We recognize that the planet simply doesn’t have the resources to support this level of wasteful behavior, and so we anchor ourselves in the understanding that consumption must change.

Accountability over accounting

Rather than getting lost in the numbers or relying solely on public disclosures to drive change, we prioritize real accountability. Mainstream sustainability efforts often focus on reporting and compliance, with the belief that transparency will lead to better outcomes. But this hasn’t worked so far. We focus on systemic foresight and aligning our business strategy with meaningful action, rather than chasing arbitrary ESG ratings or frameworks. Our goal is to make a genuine difference, not to tick boxes or inflate our standing on sustainability platforms

Transparency

Authenticity is key. We believe in owning our full value chain, including the difficult parts. We’re not here to point fingers, but we do not want to gloss over the externalities of our industry. Transparency allows us to address our challenges openly and work towards true systemic change.

SBTi & Foxway’s Carbon Footprint Mitigation Strategy

At Foxway, we are committed to accountability, not just accounting. In line with this, in October 2023, we submitted our Climate action targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) which were validated in May 2024. However, we have observed a concerning trend in 2024, as many companies with SBTi approval have failed to meet their commitments.

This highlights a broader issue: despite initiatives like the SBTi and the Paris Agreement, efforts to combat climate change are not sufficient.

To meet our targets, we’ve implemented a carbon reduction plan focused on our own actions, not relying solely on manufacturers to decarbonize. Over the past decade, few vendors have significantly reduced the carbon footprint of mobiles and laptops. However, we support and promote products that pair low emissions with longevity.

Our SBTi validated carbon reduction targets

  1. Reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2022 base year.
  2. Reducing absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030 from a 2022 base year.
  3. Increasing renewable electricity sourcing to 100% by 2030 (from 48.9% base level in 2022)
  4. Reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2022 base year.

Our targets represent a clear, measurable reduction in our total GHG emissions within a defined timeframe, focusing on absolute reductions rather than improvements relative to industry benchmarks or past data. Most corporate sustainability frameworks use relative metrics, which only indicate performance against historical results or industry benchmarks without addressing real world sustainability, i.e., if we are operating withing the safe space of planetary boundaries. SBTi is the only global standard-setting body that addresses this issue by putting together guidelines and targets that are absolute, not relative. As a firm proponent of science-based approaches and sustainability that relates to real world limits, we are proud to have our GHG emissions targets validated by SBTi.

However, SBTi isn’t without its challenges. One critique is the long timeline to reach net zero by 2050, which may create a false sense of security, potentially delaying decarbonization efforts as companies (including us) believe there’s ample time to act. While committing to net zero demonstrates intent and can influence suppliers and partners to prioritize decarbonization, it can also risk deferring urgent action without concrete, immediate plans. Net zero, in this sense, is a “double-edged sword” – it builds awareness and ambition but must be paired with decisive steps now.

Our carbon reduction plan, with obvious challenges

We have developed a robust carbon reduction plan to help us meet our short-term goals and move us towards long-term goals as well. However, since the world still has an increased demand for tech products, which depend on raw material extraction, transportation, and complex manufacturing processes, it’s not yet possible to envision a true net-zero scenario while still introducing new products to the market. The overall global dependency of fossil-based energy is still increasing, and so far renewables are only adding to the power mix, not substituting fossil energy. Additionally, the energy demand to power technology is rising rapidly, with data centres alone projected to increase global energy consumption each year by an amount equivalent to Japan’s total annual energy usage

This makes reaching net-zero targets even more difficult. We are committed to monitoring and transparently reporting our emissions profile, including Scope 3 emissions.

To reduce our footprint, Foxway focuses on the following key areas:

  1. Achieving 100% renewable electricity usage with verified REC certificates.
  2. Converting our fleet to electric vehicles.
  3. Collaborating with logistics partners and customers to minimize air transport and prioritize low-carbon land and sea shipping.
  4. Encouraging customers to buy renewable energy.
  5. Prioritizing the sale of second-hand devices.
  6. Phasing out high carbon footprint products in line with our carbon reduction plan.

 

Circularity x sufficiency

In practice, this means we are committed to the following actions:

  • From 2025, for new devices we will not enter any new agreements with linear supply and demand models.
  • As-a-Service Agreements: We will prioritize as-a-service agreements as the primary option to support a circular economy, emphasizing longevity, transparency, and customer-adapted flexibility.
  • Take-Back Programs: For customers who choose not to use as-a-service models, we will require a take-back program for old devices (ITAD services) to ensure a circular flow.
  • Fair Trade-In and ITAD Programs: We will consistently offer fair trade-in and ITAD programs to all partners and customers.
  • No “Scrap” Devices: We will refuse to sell or offer as-a-service “scrap” devices, such as short-life, low-quality items (e.g., budget school laptops) with low second-use potential.
  • Responsible Marketing: We will avoid consumeristic marketing tactics or shopping triggers, such as “unboxing” experiences or promotions like “buy one and get another free”.
  • Transparency Over Labels: We won’t hide behind feel-good labels, ratings, or certificates. Instead, we will engage in honest discussions about our supply chain, collaborating with partners to address and mitigate challenges.
  • Sustainable Packaging: We will ensure our packaging complies with EU taxonomy standards.
  • Circular Economy Revenue Target: We aim for over 70% of our revenue to be eligible and aligned with the EU’s definition of a circular economy.

Our offering and go-to-market strategy

As a customer or partner of Foxway, you can count on an open, straightforward dialogue where we challenge your organization to minimize the environmental footprint of your tech needs. This approach is part of our “degrowing the industry” strategy described above, which combines the principles of circularity and sufficiency.

Driving sustainable practices

Extending device lifecycles

Foxway seeks to extend the lifecycle of technology products through reuse, and refurbishing. This aligns within the DNA of degrowth principles, which argue for reducing overall consumption and production to achieve ecological sustainability and social well-being for all (Kallis, 2018). Foxway’s model promotes a reduction in resource extraction and waste generation by focusing on giving used tech a second life, thereby minimizing the environmental footprint and moving towards a more sustainable system.

Foxway is committed to creating a positive impact through reducing carbon footprints in the technology sector. Our approach focuses on limiting the need for new manufacturing processes, which are energy-intensive and reliant on finite natural resources. By extending the lifecycle of products through refurbishment and reuse, we help reduce the carbon emissions associated with the production of new electronics.

Research shows that reusing electronic devices can significantly lower their carbon footprint compared to producing new ones, in line with the circular economy principles that emphasize maximizing resource efficiency (Stahel, 2016).

In addition to environmental benefits, Foxway addresses social justice issues within the technology sector, particularly the imbalance between Global North nations and the Global South. Electronic waste from wealthier countries is often exported to less-developed regions, where it is improperly managed, contributing to environmental harm and poor labor conditions.

Our efforts work to reduce these inequities by offering affordable, refurbished devices to underserved markets, promoting digital inclusion while minimizing electronic waste. This practice not only supports digital access but also reduces the burden on workers in the Global South, who often bear the brunt of hazardous conditions in informal e-waste processing sectors. By keeping technology in circulation longer, we decrease the volume of e-waste exported to these regions, fostering a more equitable and sustainable tech ecosystem. Foxway’s ambition embodies the ethos of reducing consumption while redistributing technological access in a socially just and ecologically sound manner, challenging the exploitative dynamics of global tech production and consumption (Schneider et al., 2010)

Introducing concepts

The circular economy 5 R’s

The first step in the circular economy is to refuse products and materials that are not sustainable, opting for alternatives that generate less waste or none at all.

We aim to reduce our consumption and the amount of resources used, thereby minimizing waste production and the strain on natural ecosystems.

Reuse: By focusing on reuse, we extend the lifespan of products by finding ways to use them again rather than discarding them after a single use.

Repurpose: Through repurposing, materials or products are adapted for a different use, giving new life to items that might otherwise be thrown away.

Recycle: Finally, recycling involves processing materials to make new products, reducing the need for raw resources and diverting waste from landfills.

Circularity

Often referred to as the circular economy, circularity is a concept rooted in the philosophy of sustainability, aiming to minimize waste and make the most of resources by creating closed-loop systems.

Unlike the traditional linear economic model of “take, make, dispose,” circularity emphasizes designing products and processes that maintain the value of materials and resources for as long as possible. The goal is to regenerate natural systems, extend the lifecycle of products, and reduce environmental degradation by promoting repair, recycling, and reuse. Conceptually, it draws from systems thinking, where the economy is viewed as part of a larger ecological system. Scholars like Ken Webster and Walter Stahel have argued that circularity is not merely a technical fix but also a shift in our economic mindset, one that reorients economies toward long-term resilience, resource sufficiency, and environmental regeneration (Stahel, 2016).

When applied to technology and mass production in global economics, circularity encourages companies to rethink how technology is designed, manufactured, and consumed. Mass production, traditionally driven by economies of scale and planned obsolescence, has led to over-extraction of raw materials, energy-intensive processes, and large amounts of e-waste.

Circular strategies challenge this by promoting modular design, product life extension, and innovations in recycling. For instance, companies are increasingly adopting practices like designing for disassembly, where products are created with materials that can be easily recovered and reused at the end of their life cycle.

Furthermore, the rise of the “right to repair” movement aligns with circularity by pushing back against the built-in disposability of tech products, favoring durability and accessibility.

In the current global economy, the application of circularity to technology mass production is gaining traction, particularly in response to resource scarcity and environmental concerns. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have introduced recycling programs and adopted sustainable design practices, but the challenge remains in scaling these practices across industries and markets..

As scholars such as Murray et al. (2017) note, while circularity offers a promising pathway toward sustainable production, it also requires deep systemic changes in global supply chains, policy frameworks, and consumer behavior. Without addressing the economic structures that incentivize overproduction and consumption, the circular economy risks becoming a limited solution within a fundamentally growth-driven paradigm.

Degrowth

Degrowth is an economic and philosophical concept that advocates for a deliberate reduction in production and consumption to achieve ecological sustainability, social equity, and human well-being. Rooted in critiques of neoliberal economics and continuous growth models, degrowth emphasizes the need to reframe human progress away from increasing economic output and toward ecological health, redistribution of wealth, and the nurturing of local communities.

Scholars like Serge Latouche and Tim Jackson argue that perpetual growth is incompatible with finite planetary resources and that societal well-being can be enhanced through a focus on sufficiency, frugality, and the reduction of material throughput. Degrowth envisions a systemic transformation in how economies are structured, prioritizing ecological balance and reducing excessive consumption, rather than relying on technological innovations to solve environmental crises.

In the specific context of technology, degrowth principles are applied by emphasizing a shift from extractive, linear production processes to regenerative systems that minimize waste and resource use. Circular tech incorporates strategies like recycling, upcycling, and product longevity to reduce the environmental impacts of production and consumption. Instead of pursuing economic growth through the production of new technologies, degrowth-inspired circular technology focuses on resource efficiency, repairability, and local production networks.

This aligns with the philosophical underpinnings of degrowth by encouraging a reduction in material consumption while fostering sustainable technological innovation that benefits both society and the environment. Academic studies in fields like ecological economics and industrial ecology further elaborate on how degrowth-inspired approaches to technology can reduce ecological footprints while promoting greater social and environmental justice (Kallis et al., 2018).

Circularity within a degrowth framework emphasizes reducing overall material and energy use, focusing on repair, reuse, and the longevity of products, rather than simply recycling within a system that still promotes consumption and growth.

Giorgos Kallis, Susan Paulson in The Case for Degrowth

Stakeholder interaction in a new way

Double Materiality Analysis

Stakeholder engagement has gained new momentum in recent years, especially since the EU introduced stricter regulations requiring all large enterprises to perform comprehensive double materiality analyses (DMA). This approach goes beyond traditional financial disclosures by considering two perspectives: financial materiality, which focuses on how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors affect a company’s financial performance, and impact materiality, which assesses the company’s own impact on society and the environment. Unfortunately, the promising opportunity to delve into impact materiality has not been fully leveraged.

Foxway, like most of the tech companies we’ve investigated, has relied on traditional methods such as desktop analyses and interviews with clients, suppliers, employees, and NGOs. At best, a roundtable discussion is included, often covering familiar topics and questions without significant depth. These efforts are later reported as successes, and reporting practices continue largely unchanged.

The CSRD and ESRS make it clear: affected stakeholders must be properly identified and considered

The United Nations reports that modern slavery is at an all-time high, with an estimated 50 million people currently living in conditions of enslavement.

Alongside this, the tech industry’s demand for key minerals has intensified the harmful “side-effects” of tech production – wars over access to resources, poor living conditions near mining sites, and the prevalence of child labor. Transparency is decreasing at the same pace as the hunt for critical minerals accelerates—driven by the chip and tech industries, the green transition, and military and security needs—making these issues harder to address.

We can no longer be on stage claiming all is well, while relying on industry-aligned NGOs, suppliers, and a select group of agreeable partners and customers to define our material impacts. It’s time to make a genuine effort toward honest, proper analysis.

 

Driving progress, minimizing harm

Redefining technology’s role

Foxway embraces the role of technology in advancing education, healthcare, democracy, equality, and other key aspects of societal development. We are committed to providing best-in-class services and software to enhance our customers’ capabilities and infrastructure. However, we do not support the growing negative side effects associated with technology, such as the impact of social media, consumerism, and rising mental health challenges among young people.

We recognize that our degrowth strategy is a bold step forward and signals an important shift in the tech industry. While we may face challenges along the way, we are confident in our direction and believe that success hinges on the collaboration with our customers and partners. We value your insights and invite you to join us on this journey as we work together to create meaningful change and push the industry in a new direction.