Sustainability T
he IT channel has successfully navigated the initial stage of sustainability by focusing on internal operational excellence. Tis foundational work, from achieving net-zero
goals to implementing low-carbon logistics and renewable energy, has proven that distributors can lead the way, as demonstrated by the recent industry award won by Hammer Distribution (formerly Exertis Enterprise). However, as we look to the 2026 horizon, the sustainability
conversation must shiſt focus. Te biggest environmental impact in the IT sector is no longer purely within a distributor’s four walls, but in the product lifecycle itself, particularly the resource- intensive, high-performance hardware driving AI and cloud infrastructure. Te new frontier for distributors is Supply Chain Circularity,
moving beyond efficient distribution of new products to becoming the essential engine for end-of-life management, refurbishment, reuse and recycle. Tis shiſt transforms sustainability from a compliance task into a monetizable, value-added service for the channel and a necessity for a growing, resource-hungry industry.
Phase 1: The foundational success of operational excellence Te industry has established a high bar for internal commitment. Leading distributors have successfully put in place the non- negotiables: achieving 100% renewable electricity across all UK sites, moving to zero waste-to-landfill operations, and delivering demonstrable Scope 1 and 2 emission reductions. Tis phase also involved building the first layers of circular
offerings: • Green IT Partnerships: Collaborating with technology leaders like Eaton and APC to deliver energy-efficient infrastructure solutions that can cut power waste and extend component lifespan.
• Circular Capabilities: Making strategic moves to build out lifecycle services, such as establishing strong partnerships with experts in remanufactured computing, remarketing and extraction of precious metals, in addition to hazardous waste.
Phase 2: The 2026 circular infrastructure mandate Te challenge for 2026 is managing the end-of-life process for the high-value infrastructure Hammer specialises in, like GPUs, storage arrays, and servers. Te distributor is uniquely positioned to handle this complexity through a centralised approach: the circular infrastructure programme (CIP). For the channel to succeed in this new era, distributors must
invest in three key pillars: • Standardised Reverse Logistics and ITAD-as-a-Service: Te biggest obstacle to scaling circularity is friction. Te channel needs seamless, certified IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and product take-back services integrated directly into the distribution chain. Te goal must be to partner with the majority of top-tier vendors (targeting 75% by Q4 2026) to act as the primary logistics hub for returns and pre-assessment. Tis creates a high-margin service offering for resellers, turning reverse logistics into a revenue stream.
• Certified Secure Data Sanitisation: Data security is the number one barrier preventing businesses from returning equipment.
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Distributors must offer an industry-leading, certified Secure Data Sanitisation-as-a-Service platform. Tis service must leverage embedded vendor technologies (like Seagate’s Instant Secure Erase) to provide the confidence partners and end-customers need to securely return storage assets for reuse and recycling. Onsite data destruction and tracking data in transit to ensure data security.
• Life-Cycle Extension as a Green IT Solution: In the world of cloud and AI, energy efficiency is paramount. Distributors must promote upgrades as a core sustainability solution, focusing on the energy savings of migrating to new-generation, high- efficiency systems (e.g., GPUs). Furthermore, services like specialised component upgrading (CPU, Memory, Storage), which enable the resource-saving architectures of vendors like Supermicro, can reduce e-waste by up to 90% versus a full server replacement.
The human element: building authentic ESG Sustainability is more than a supply chain strategy; it requires genuine corporate values to avoid greenwashing. Customers today actively prefer businesses that contribute to social and environmental well-being. Alongside strategic projects, authentic leadership means
empowering employees at the local level. Organised volunteer days, focusing on causes that resonate with the company’s environmental goals, such as community clean-ups, tree planting, or youth mentorship, are critical. Tese initiatives enhance team spirit, foster employee pride, and make a tangible local impact, showing that the company’s commitment runs from the boardroom to the boots on the ground. By 2026, distribution is no longer simply about moving product;
it is about sustainable resource management. Te successful distributor will be the one who proactively aligns with the future of regulation (such as the EU’s Digital Product Passports), manages the lifecycle of resource-intensive AI infrastructure, and turns circularity into a competitive advantage for their channel partners. Tis is the only path to a greener, more responsible future for technology. As we look toward 2026, the message for the channel is clear:
sustainability can’t wait. At Hammer Distribution, we believe acting now is essential if we’re to protect the environment for future generations while enabling our industry to grow responsibly. Our role as a distributor places us in a unique position to support not only our customers and channel partners but also the global vendors who rely on us to execute their sustainability ambitions. By embedding circularity into the heart of distribution
and developing services that directly contribute to Scope 3 transparency and reduction, we’re creating a system where every part of the value chain benefits. From secure, standards-driven end-of-life management to lifecycle-extending upgrades and certified data sanitisation, we are committed to providing practical, high-impact solutions that make it easier for the entire channel to participate in a more circular IT economy. Sustainability at distribution is no longer optional; it’s the
key enabler for vendors, partners, and end-customers to meet their environmental commitments and build a more resilient, responsible technology ecosystem.
January/February 2026 | 27
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