Extending the life cycle of digital devices and maximising the value of each component: this is the goal of the OnLife project, developed by Leonardo, which introduces a circular economy model applied to workplace assets. The initiative, which stems from a collaboration between Leonardo’s Sustainability and Digital Solutions departments, integrates digital technologies – from automation to artificial intelligence – with circular processes that reduce consumption, emissions and the use of raw materials, while generating social value for the communities in which the Group operates. The aim is to transform the traditional process of managing discarded PCs and monitors into a concrete opportunity f structured around three main drivers.
The first driver concerns the reuse of devices into the secondary market (PROSPERITY) through online sales channels, to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The proceeds from the sale cover the costs of the project and the refurbishment of the PCs intended for donation. In this first phase, 160 assets were collected, 99% of which are prepared for reuse.
The second driver is digital inclusion (PEOPLE) and is part of HP’s Hope project: some of the decommissioned and refurbished devices are donated to non-profit organisations operating in areas with a greater digital divide. This initiative promotes access to technology, fosters interest in STEM subjects and creates new educational and professional opportunities.
The third area (PLANET) involves the implementation of advanced recycling processes for non-reusable devices to extract critical raw materials (CRMs), which are essential for the digital and green transition. This urban mining approach reduces dependence on virgin raw materials and helps to limit the overall environmental impact by cutting emissions and reducing the extraction of natural resources.