Print.IT Reseller - issue 75

PRINTITRESELLER.UK 23 SUSTAINABILITY Flex IT and The FIA (The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) have introduced a new IT asset disposition/buyback scheme for the FIA sport and mobility clubs The FIA goes green hardware directly to Flex IT, who can in turn offer high quality refurbished replacements, if required. Sustainable Motor Sport Programmes Coordinator, Pierre Villez said: “This project fully fits with the sustainability goals that have been defined by the FIA. It represents a real opportunity for all our clubs to reduce their ecological footprint while having a positive cost impact. We look forward to seeing the benefits from this partnership.” Currently 170 clubs have expressed an interest in participating with equipment profile primarily laptops, desktops, screens and phones. Brands will include Apple, HP, Lenovo and Dell to name a few. Flex IT will accept any brand to include in its refurbishment process as part of the scheme. It will buy the unwanted IT hardware from the clubs, process and upgrade it and then bring it back into the market through its large channel of partners. The cycle continues “At the same time we will push for the clubs to buy or rent circular IT equipment (newer generations),” Hulshoff added. “Then the cycle continues and after a year or more, Flex IT will again buy back any hardware that the clubs feel needs replacing. This way we guarantee the best IT solution for the clubs, whilst at the same time giving a new life to the IT hardware that is being returned by them. This has a very positive impact on the budget of the clubs and a positive impact on the sustainability goals.” The FIA has a global footprint with all its clubs so there is no limit on the countries that this programme will be running across. As well as the usual European countries, there will be clubs from Asia, the Middle East and South America taking advantage of the global appeal for circular IT. The partnership will run initially for 12 months but both parties expect it to carry on after the first year. It was forged when The FIA published its sustainability goals and was then approached by Flex IT to make a contribution towards reaching these goals by implementing the buyback programme. www.flexitdistribution.com Circular economy distributor Flex IT Distribution has announced the launch of an ITAD (IT buyback) programme for all sport and mobility clubs that are part of The FIA. Details of the agreement were shared at the recent FIA Conference in June. The FIA represents the interests of motoring organisations and motor car users, but to the general public, is mostly known as the governing body for many auto racing events, such as Formula One, FormulaE and Le Mans. The FIA selected Flex IT as its partner due to the company’s experience in running ITAD buyback projects globally, due to the locations of its clubs all over the world and the fact that it can supply and refurbish all major IT brands. Frank Hulshoff, Marketing Director, Flex IT said: “One of our clear objectives that actually goes beyond building the Flex IT brand, is to emphasise that circular IT hardware can be the best solution – even within the most technical environments. Events in the world over the past six months have underlined why the circular solution is no longer seen as second best within the industry and rather as the most cost-effective and responsible way to purchase or rent hardware solutions. “Our agreement with the FIA on an ITAD buyback project is an excellent example of how well this can work and we are convinced this is just the start of a long and successful working relationship between the FIA and Flex IT.” Sustainability goals The FIA has defined clear sustainability goals and as such, is fully committed to offering its associated sport and mobility clubs the opportunity to choose the best possible solution for circular IT. The new ITAD buyback programme means that each club will be able to sell its old Events in the world over the past six months have underlined why the circular solution is no longer seen as second best within the industry Frank Hulshoff Pierre Villez