ABB’s Energy Industries Service Parts Circularity Program is driving sustainability by extending the lifecycle of used parts, reducing resource consumption, and minimizing electronic waste.

Significant Waste Reduction Achieved

Over a four-year period, ABB’s data reveals a remarkable 93% reduction in electronic waste sent to landfills. In 2020, 214.5 kg of waste ended up in landfills, a figure that fell dramatically to just 14.2 kg by the close of 2023. This achievement aligns with ABB’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future. Of the components that could not be repaired or returned to operation, 86.5% of the material was successfully recycled through proper end-of-life treatment.

Tackling the Global E-Waste Crisis

Globally, approximately 62 million tons of electronic waste are generated annually, with this figure projected to reach 82 million tons by 2030. ABB’s circularity initiative seeks to combat this growing issue by offering full traceability for every faulty part returned by customers, ensuring minimal scrap ends up in landfills.

Value for Customers and the Environment

The program collaborates with recycling experts, including Stena Recycling in Europe and Ohio Drop Off in the US, to provide certified sustainability reports on the material properties of each returned part. These reports ensure transparency and accountability in sustainability reporting.

To incentivize participation, ABB offers customers financial benefits for exchanging faulty parts for remanufactured or refurbished alternatives. This approach not only reduces costs for customers but also supports sustainable practices by conserving resources.

Ensuring Responsible Disposal and Circular Practices

For parts that cannot be repaired or remanufactured, ABB ensures responsible disposal, enabling the recovery of valuable materials and reducing dependency on virgin resources. Many components are disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and reassembled to produce remanufactured parts, a practice that helps maintain material availability and minimizes waste.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

“Extending product lifecycles and ensuring end-to-end traceability are essential in meeting the rising global demand for critical materials,” said Marie-Hélène Westholm-Knebel, Global Head of Sustainability at ABB Energy Industries. She emphasized the importance of transitioning to circular economy models to preserve resources and reduce emissions.

Paul Sundt, Service Segment Manager at ABB Energy Industries, added: “The success of this program is evident in industrial plants worldwide, where customers actively contribute to circular economy goals through our service agreements. We aim to expand this success as more businesses recognize the value of sustainable supply chains.”

Driving Circular Economy Principles

As a core part of ABB’s sustainability agenda, the circularity strategy focuses on resource preservation at all stages of a product’s lifecycle. By building a global ecosystem of partners, ABB promotes repair, reuse, and recycling as fundamental principles of circular economy practices.

About ABB

ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, delivering innovative solutions that enhance resource efficiency and sustainability. With over 140 years of expertise and a workforce of more than 105,000 employees, ABB enables industries to operate more efficiently and sustainably. The company’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

ABB’s Process Automation division focuses on automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industrial operations to meet critical global needs such as energy, water, and materials supply. With approximately 20,000 employees, ABB Process Automation drives operational efficiency while supporting cleaner and leaner industrial processes.

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