COVER STORY Sustainability throughout the electronics supply chain


Electronics are now an integral part of almost every aspect of our lives, from smartphones and wearables to streaming devices, ticketing systems, and security cameras. As technology evolves and consumer demand skyrockets, this digital integration is only intensifying. However, many of these devices, like smartphones, have relatively short lifecycles, often being replaced within just a couple of years. Despite their fleeting use, the resources and energy required to produce them are substantial. This makes sustainability a critical focus for the electronics industry. With billions of devices produced annually, it’s essential that manufacturing processes and the supply chain for components are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible. To keep pace with growing demand while minimizing the environmental impact, the industry must prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring that technological progress goes hand in hand with the health of our planet.


In this month’s edition, John Bowman, marketing director at Anglia, explores the efforts within the electronics industry to drive sustainability forward. We highlight Anglia’s initiatives to minimize its climate impact and spotlight STMicroelectronics, a company leading the way in


developing technology with a strong focus on sustainability. Sustainable actions


Anglia plays a key role in the supply chain for components used in a vast array of electronic products across nearly every industry sector. We understand the importance of ensuring our operations are both responsible and sustainable, preserving the efforts made during the manufacturing process and supporting the future use of these components after our involvement. At Anglia, we view sustainability not only as the right thing to do but also as a way to enhance our competitiveness by driving positive changes in our work practices.


At Anglia, our journey toward a sustainable supply chain starts the moment we place component orders. We pay close attention to the movement of electronic components from the manufacturer’s production site to our distribution centre, and onward to customers’ production facilities, with the goal of making transport as sustainable and volumetrically efficient as possible. To achieve this, we employ advanced AI-driven purchasing algorithms, fine-tuned over years by our in-house software development team. These intelligent systems automatically determine the optimal order quantity for any product, taking into account factors like minimum order quantities, pack multiples, lead times, actual and forecasted demand, and evolving market dynamics. By balancing these variables, we can consolidate shipments efficiently, reducing the number of deliveries and optimizing the routing to minimize sea, air, and road miles. This approach not only lowers carbon emissions but also cuts transportation costs, making our operations more eco-friendly while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Through these initiatives, Anglia ensures that sustainability is woven into every step of our supply chain, from procurement to delivery. We are constantly seeking new ways to cut down on packaging materials and waste. One of our key initiatives has been the introduction of standardized, recyclable box


10 October 2024 Components in Electronics


sizes across our distribution centre. Our intelligent software automatically selects the most efficient box size for each shipment, significantly reducing the need for infill packing materials and minimizing the weight and volumetric size of each parcel. This optimization not only lowers the number of delivery trucks required, but also reduces fuel consumption, making our shipping processes more eco-friendly. Additionally, our plain, unbranded boxes are fully recyclable and can be easily reused by customers if desired. The only branding comes from our recyclable paper sealing tape, which is dispensed in the exact length needed by automated machines—again, powered by our smart software. This switch has led to a reduction in our tape usage by more than 65 per cent annually, further contributing to our sustainability goals. Through these packaging innovations, we’re able to significantly reduce waste and enhance the overall efficiency and environmental impact of our distribution operations.


Anglia’s UK offices and distribution centre are equipped with smart building management sensors that automatically control energy-efficient LED lighting and HVAC systems, ensuring optimal energy use. Located on a sustainably managed, landscaped two-acre site in Cambridgeshire, we have taken extensive steps to enhance the local


environment by introducing a variety of trees, shrubs, and plants, alongside a large pond to encourage biodiversity. To support the local ecosystem further, we’ve added beehives and bug hotels to promote a healthy balance of wildlife. In our commitment to sustainability, we also collaborate with ClimatePartner to precisely measure our carbon footprint and offset emissions by supporting impactful climate projects worldwide. These eco-friendly initiatives not only benefit the environment but also deliver tangible advantages to our customers. By reducing operational costs through energy efficiency and promoting sustainable practices, we help our customers meet their own environmental goals while fostering long-term savings. Together, these efforts underscore Anglia’s dedication to sustainability both within our operations and throughout the broader supply chain.


Sustainable Components


Naturally, our efforts would be insignificant if the products we supply weren’t sourced and produced sustainably. That’s why we carefully choose partners who prioritize sustainable practices, placing this high on our list of priorities. A standout example is our collaboration with STMicroelectronics, a global leader in semiconductor technology. They design and manufacture a wide array of electronics, such as microcontrollers, sensors, and power management solutions, catering to industries ranging from automotive and industrial to consumer electronics, all while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. Since the early 1990s, sustainability has been a core principle for STMicroelectronics. Today, environmental and social responsibility is deeply embedded across all aspects of their business, driving them to seize opportunities that deliver innovative solutions to global challenges. In 2011, they launched their Sustainable Technology program, adopting a comprehensive approach to ensure sustainability is integrated into the development of new


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