Circular economies differ from the traditional linear economy model in shifting to a cradle-to-cradle circular model that produces no waste. We can accomplish the goals of circular economies through several possible business models, including product sharing, device as a service, repair and refurbishment, remanufacturing, by-products and industrial symbiosis, replacement of raw materials with renewable materials, and resource regeneration and recovery. 

Acer employs the concept of circular economies and strives to reduce the impact of our products on the environment throughout their life cycles. Through product design, we deliver products that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective by enhancing performance, extending lifespan, and supporting resource reuse in manufacturing. 

Product Life Cycle Management

• During the product design and development phase, We have introduced the concept of circular economy and actively promoted material innovation, choosing materials with low impact on the environment, such as post-consumer recycled plastics used in computers and monitors. We have also expanded their use to various product lines in the Vero series, including projectors, computer peripherals, and suitcases. Additionally, we have adopted OBP (Ocean Bound Plastic) in the touchpads of notebook computers and Acer Vero Ocean Series apparels. At the same time, we focus on the strategy of sharing parts through modular design and product sharing, for example, monitors are gradually introducing a unified stand design to maximize the sharing of components. Through design innovations such as modularization and structure sharing, we can reduce the use of resources, enhance the maintainability and durability of our products, and extend product lifecycles so as to alleviate the burden of it on the environment. In terms of chemical management, we have established a list of banned, restricted, and disclosure chemicals to reduce the use of hazardous substances, and we have strictly screened materials at the product design stage to minimize potential environmental and health risks. In terms of enhancing product energy efficiency, we base our designs on the U.S. ENERGY STAR requirements, and we meets or exceed the requirements to assist users contribute to energy saving and carbon reduction. 

• During the manufacturing phase of our products, We collaborate with suppliers to enhance resource utilization efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure proper waste management. In the manufacturing phase, we collaborate with suppliers to enhance resource utilization efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and implement proper waste management practices. We also drive manufacturing process transformation to increase renewable energy adoption rates, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the production process. Since 2019, we have been adhering to the RBA Industry Focus Process Chemical List to monitor the chemicals used in the production process. These chemicals include toluene, benzene, beryllium dust, chlorinated organic solvents, n-hexane, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and ozone-depleting substances. Monitoring of these chemicals has become a key item in our annual on-site audits. In 2021, we further revised the RBA Industry Focus Process Chemical List and required suppliers to comply with the updated version starting from 2022. The revised list now includes bromopropane, methylene chloride, methanol, tetrachloroethylene, and trichloroethylene. We will continue to monitor industry regulations, assess the possibility of expanding the list of controlled substances to mitigate risks to workers and the environment, and strengthen communication and verification during on-site audits. Acer places great importance on the efficient use and reuse of energy and resources during the manufacturing phase. Through effective supply chain management, we strive to enhance process resource efficiency, minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and implement effective waste management practices.

• In the product transportation phase, We work closely with our logistics partners and formulate a sustainable logistics strategy, with a focus on transitioning to low-carbon transportation, including the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Sustainable Marine Fuel (SMF) to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation process, and the promotion of slip sheets to replace wooden pallets to enhance the efficiency of transportation and further reduce the environmental impact.

• In the post-use phase of our products, We have set a target to achieve a 45% reduction in the average energy consumption of personal computers by 2025, compared to 2016.

• In the product disposal phase,We offer various recycling channels to ensure proper recycling and disposal by qualified recycling and processing partners. For more information, please refer to Product Recycling.

We collaborated with our suppliers through the Acer Earthion initiative to minimize environmental impact throughout the design, manufacturing, and transportation stages. Suppliers have installed solar panels and implemented the use of renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions. They have also enhanced their waste management systems, reducing the use of plastic bags in the production line and minimizing the excessive use of security tape when removing containerized pallets, thereby reducing non-recyclable plastic packaging. In addition, the gradual introduction of electric vehicles and biofuel in our product transportation process has also helped us reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For more details, please refer to the Acer Earthion.