Sustainability is no longer an option, but a concrete responsibility that runs through every phase of a product's life cycle. In this interview with Luca Guarinello, Philips tells how its environmental commitment is translated into strategic choices, from technological innovation to the design of professional displays, passing through materials, packaging, software updates and communication. A path oriented towards a circular economy and a long-term vision, in which reducing the impact today means building tomorrow's future.
Philips' commitment to reducing its environmental impact is well known. Besides energy efficiency and the use of recycled materials, what are the next areas of environmental improvement for Philips?
Philips' presence in the professional AV market has always been proactive, which allows the brand to launch new products very quickly. More generally, Philips' overall manufacturing strategy - which adheres to the principles of the United Nations Global Compact - progressively includes the theme of sustainability, offering solutions with lower energy consumption, requiring fewer repairs and fewer spare parts, and with increased scalability, aiming to reduce the impact and the actual total cost of each installation.
Philips states that part of its commitment is to keep products and materials in use as long as possible, to encourage reuse and recycling and to reduce waste. How does the reconditioning, recycling or take-back process for your devices actually work?
Philips designs displays on the open Android SoC platform, offering solutions that extend their life and delay their obsolescence, also thanks to the collaboration of its partners. This is what happens when we release regular firmware or operating system updates that bring compatibility elements, new features and benefits to our existing product range. In this way, Philips customers are guaranteed benefits and a better return on their investment, while at the same time reducing the total amount of electrical and electronic equipment to be disposed of.
For “green” monitors, Philips uses 100% recyclable packaging, post-consumer recycled plastics up to 85% in some models, eliminates hazardous substances such as mercury, PVC/BFR, and focuses on energy-efficient designs. How are materials and components - recycled plastics, packaging, components - chosen to balance sustainability and energy efficiency?technical performance?
From energy consumption to components to product packaging, Philips' goal is to continuously monitor, modify and improve each of these aspects. The packaging of the displays are designed to minimise the resources to be used and optimise logistics and shipping, and are designed to help reduce the carbon footprint without compromising the safety of the product during transport or the amount of materials to be disposed of. The new Philips professional displays come to market with neutral, single-colour printed packaging, produced entirely from recyclable materials and without the use of plastics.
Philips' environmental commitment also involves informing and enabling customers to make informed choices. In this sense, what are the key points that determine how you communicate on sustainability?
Circular economy and environmental sustainability are the guidelines of a narrative journey that starts from design and continues through the production, delivery and installation phases, to the end of the first life cycle and beyond. Following a holistic approach, the concept directions undertaken by Philips not only support the entire business community, but are intended to influence and inspire the activities of strategic partners, who in turn are invited to pass on the meanings of the concept.to different and more specific market segments.
How do you imagine your industry will evolve in terms of sustainability in the coming years?
Every technology company will increasingly be called upon to play a leading role in the field of environmental sustainability, with concrete actions that will have to involve business choices and orientate series development towards production, packaging and end-of-life characteristics adhering to a long-term strategic perspective, responsible and functional to the preservation of the planet. Making a small difference today that can have a big impact tomorrow.
