Who’s doing the work? Logitech
Highlighting corporations already working towards the SDGs
“Aligning our existing sustainability programs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the obvious next step, and a transformational part in the next phase of our sustainability journey.” — Bracken Darrell, Logitech CEO
While Logitech has yet to formally align its internal operations fully with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, they’ve produced 11 Sustainable reports to date and have identified this as a next-step. The company continues to accomplish a variety of SDGs through their work, but today we’re highlighting their Footprint/Handprint Framework and Ecodesign — Product Innovation.
Handprint and Footprint Conceptualization — (SDG 13, 12, 5 etc.)
Logitech derives their sustainability standards from the “world’s largest industry coalition dedicated to corporate social responsibility in global supply chains”, The Responsible Business Alliance. By using the RBA’s Code of Conduct, Logitech has outsourced their sustainability standards and is in continual compliance with global social, environmental, and ethical standards. Internally, Logitech has transformed these guidelines into a framework divided into two parts: the ‘footprint’ and the ‘handprint’.
The footprint refers to activities and programs that seek to reduce the negative impacts on the environment of doing business through reduced greenhouse gas emissions, implementation of responsible manufacturing, responsible products (including packaging and materials), recycling, and reporting. The handprint outlines actions and programs that enhance positive impact on people and society including human rights and labor, company governance and ethics, supplier development, etc. While some of their programs achieve goals from both frameworks, the distinction provides important clarification between contributions. Businesses need to be actively pursuing both a reduction of harmful practices and an increase in positive and innovative practices if we are to achieve the global goals by 2030.
Ecodesign & Product Innovation — (SDGs 9, 12 , & 13 ).
Many opportunities to reduce environmental impact arise early on in the design process. Realizing this, Logitech has “integrated environmental impact assessment processes into the product development cycle” through internally developed Ecodesign Standards and Life Cycle Assessment.
For example, when designing a product such as the GPRO wireless mouse, Logitech takes into account not only the form of the mouse itself, but also of each individual component within it including endoskeleton, battery, wheel design, and more. Within each of these components, materiality and efficiency are measured. By avoiding conflict-free mineral sourcing and maximizing the use of recycled material, the design ensures enhanced environmental and social integrity. Optimized efficiencies include extended battery life, lower power consumption, smart power management, water and energy-efficient manufacturing, and waste minimization, all of which reduce pollution throughout the life cycle. Through this design, the GPRO wireless mouse resulted in an 18% reduction in comparison to the previous model in product development alone. In addition to the design of the product itself, Logitech focuses on the circularity potential of the products they make drawing inspiration from the Cradle-to-cradle model.
Logitech’s internal sustainability analysis and communication tools set them apart from their competition by providing transparency and proof of application. Their Footprint/Handprint framework helps visualize the separation between reduction and improvement practices and provides needed nuance to the sustainability conversation. And, by reporting early and providing examples, they are a leading example of sustainable integrity.
More on Circular Economy :
- Join us!— Come join our community today at the 17 Way’s marketplace and start doing business as a force for good.
- Logitech’s Full Report — For a comprehensive review of all of Logitech’s sustainability initiatives, read the full report here.
- Sustainable product design in pictures — Example of how design can make an impact.
- New business models — Check out Edie’s page highlighting old companies implementing new ways of doing business.
