Circular economy refers to a development model in which emphasis is given in expanding the lifetime of products, reducing the consumption of non-renewable resources and promoting the reuse, recycle and recovery of energy and materials consumed. This development approach enables sustainable growth, with multiple benefits for the society, the economy and the environment, while requiring changes to entire value chains, from the design up to final consumption of products.
We recognise the scarcity of natural resources and considers a more efficient use of these resources a priority for sustainable development. Circular economy is one of the four priorities of the OTE Group Sustainability Strategy and policies are in place (OTE Group Suppliers Code of Conduct, Sustainability Policy, Integrated Management System Policy) that provide the basis for the implementation of circular economy in OTE Group activities. A holistic approach is applied that integrates principles of circular economy (5R: Refuse, Reduce, Repair, Reuse, Recycle), and covers own operations (telecom network, datacenters, fleet, offices and shops), suppliers and customers.
In line with the DT strategy on circular economy and the DT EU ESG strategy, initiatives and actions in place concern the design, the manufacturing specifications and the use phase of the products/equipment used internally or sold, allow for the repairability of products and equipment, aim at reuse to the extent that is technical feasible and ensure, as a final option, the recycling of waste generated. The initiatives in place contribute to the increase of materials recovery and the decrease of waste generated and disposed.
