The growing focus on sustainability worldwide has shifted priorities in many industries, including the telecom industry. According to the 2021 BCG Report, the telecom industry generates 1.6% of all carbon emissions. If unmanaged, it could be responsible for up to 14% of global carbon emissions by 2040.
Telecom companies are increasingly taking action to prioritize sustainability strategies to reduce their environmental impacts through sustainable sourcing, recyclability, and waste management. Much of its carbon emissions come from manufacturing and transportation of the telecom infrastructures.
Why the Need for Sustainable Practices?
The telecommunication industry generates a significant amount of electronic waste (e-waste) due to the rapid turnover of devices and equipment. As a result, implementing effective e-waste management practices, such as proper recycling, refurbishment, and responsible disposal, is becoming increasingly important. As we move toward a technology-dependent future, companies must partner with e-waste management firms that adhere to environmentally friendly practices and ensure the proper handling of electronic waste.
Steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and concrete are some of the most common materials used for telecom infrastructure. However, some of these materials are not recyclable at the end of the product’s lifecycle, polluting the landfills. Additionally, some materials degrade faster due to exterior elements, requiring a more frequent replacement, increasing the carbon footprint and waste buildup in the landfill.
Moving Towards a Sustainable Future
As many of us are already aware, 5G is the next benchmark for wireless communication that is going to be used worldwide for both personal and commercial purposes, so the need for sourcing sustainable products to be used in this cutting-edge infrastructure is quintessential. Fortunately, TerraCast® products provide a solution to source sustainable concealment products for 5G small cell infrastructures.
The TerraCast® concealment products are made with up to 100% post-consumer recycled material and are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifecycle. Because they are lightweight, they produce less carbon emission while in transit and installation. These products are all made in the USA, reducing the overall carbon emissions compared to offshore products.
Sustainable Manufacturing Process and Practices
TerraCast® Products utilizes a rotational molding process to manufacture its decorative small-cell concealment products. Rotational molding is environmentally friendly because it does not release chemicals or dangerous toxins during manufacturing and has very little material waste compared to manufacturing metal or concrete. This process allows us to reuse post-production material waste. Since resin has an incredibly long-life cycle, it lowers environmental impact through reduced material replacement energy.
TerraCast® resin products can be manufactured using up to 100% post-consumer recycled material, depending on the color, and they are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifecycle. Here are some reasons why resin products are a must if we decide to move toward a sustainable future:
- Green Material – Up to 100% PCR Material
- Recyclability – 100% Recyclable
- Long-Lasting – Reduce Replacement Energy
- Lightweight – Less Carbon Emission During Transit
- Green Manufacturing – Minimal Waste, Using Green Practices
- Made in USA – Reduce Carbon Footprint
Why TerraCast®?
In a bid to reduce their carbon footprint, companies must assess and improve the sustainability performance of their supply chains. This involves working closely with suppliers who encourage sustainable practices, such as reducing packaging waste, optimizing transportation routes, and sourcing materials responsibly.
TerraCast® has a long-standing reputation as a company that goes the extra mile in its efforts to support sustainable manufacturing practices and products. We craft our resin from up to 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials that can be molded into various shapes and colors and can withstand the elements better than conventional materials like metal and wood. To learn more about products and services, give us a call today!