Sustainability - Overview
As a global leader in wireless device lifecycle services, BrightPoint provides a full suite of end-to-end supply chain solutions that includes supply chain planning and management, customization, marketing and activation, distribution, and reverse logistics for wireless carriers, service providers and manufacturers. Our technology and fulfillment strategies are extended to our customers in a variety of ways that afford them the ability to meet their green targets. We offer efficient packaging solutions, freight consolidation and optimization, geographic facility optimization, last touch customization, complete handset repair and refurbishment services (Levels 1, 2 and 3 repair, parts reclamation, asset management and repainting), recycling programs, and advanced energy management systems.
Sustainability Initiatives
BrightPoint closely monitors its impact on the environment by tracking and reporting facility-level consumption of electricity, natural gas, water, trash, and recycling services (plastics, cardboard, paper and glass). Our unrecyclable waste is processed at the Covanta Energy site in Indianapolis. Covanta Energy converts waste into steam, which is then purchased by Citizens Thermal Energy (CTE) and is used to power the downtown Indianapolis heating loop.
Expand Collapse We leverage the data from our programs to make proactive decisions about how we operate our business and communicate with our associates. Our awareness allows us to work closely with local authorities to significantly reduce fees for our building projects and qualify the business for certain energy rebate programs.
Our Reverse Logistics service offering provides direct benefits to our customers. Each handset that is repaired, refurbished or harvested for reclaimed parts means that there is one less "new" handset being shipped into the market. Our experience indicates that a significant number of used wireless handsets that have been replaced (or no longer work) remain in a customer's possession and are never properly disposed of. BrightPoint prevents in excess of 10,000,000 wireless handsets a year from reaching the same result. The reclamation of old, unused handsets kept at subscriber's residences remains a significant target.
We work closely with our customers, and our customer's customers, in order to continue to make progress towards the optimization of the supply chain and achieving maximum results. We are currently focused on overcoming legacy behaviors in packaging and transportation. By applying technology (i.e. RFID, electronic advanced ship notices (ASNs) and electronic manifests), we reduce the amount of paper, manual handling, and lag in the network. In addition, improvements in collaborative forecasting and planning have reduced the dependency on rush shipments (i.e. airfreight, next day, etc.) and allowed for more efficient means to be used.
Collapse Key Statistics and Programs
BrightPoint purchased two new, state-of-the-art facilities for its North American operations in 2011. Both facilities have been installed with high-efficiency HVAC systems, T-5 lighting and motion detection sensors, as well as many other environmentally friendly solutions. These facilities are qualified to receive benefits under the guidelines for Cost Segregation and EPAct Section 179D – Energy Tax Credits for Commercial Buildings, which are important to our program because they enable us to move closer to our goals of promoting sustainability, reducing energy consumption, extending the benefits to our customers, and reducing our overall cost of operations.
Expand Collapse BrightPoint is proud of the following awards and accomplishments:
- 2010 and 2011 – Green Supply Chain Award Winner
- 2011 – EcoVisionary Award Winner
- 2011 – CTIA Green Working Group (GWG) Member
- Significant annualized savings in 2011 relating to our participation in:
- Cost Segregation and EPAct 179d programs
- Annual operating cost reduction for AllPoints energy management systems
- Construction building permit savings for demonstrated reduction in water utilization
- Energy management rebates from utility providers
- Company recycling efforts (2011 – January through October)
- 1,175 tons of waste converted to steam energy
- 1,800 tons of recycled cardboard, plastics and office paper
- Employee and Community Outreach Program (2011 – January through October)
- 35,395 pounds of recycled consumer electronics
- 6,684 pounds of shredded documents
- 2012 – ISO 14001 registration target
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