Green Pages – NEWS
THINK GREEN, RESPONSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY.
ACER BRAZIL
“We are moving towards the goal of reducing the average energy consumption of personal computers by 45% by 2025.”
by Leda Cavalcanti
Caroline Raimundo has over 18 years of experience in marketing, branding, and sales within the consumer, technology, IT, and telecommunications sectors. She has been with Acer for 13 years, leading the company’s marketing efforts in Latin America for the past two years. Caroline holds a degree in Social Communication from Faculdade Anhembi Morumbi and has specialized in Business Management with an emphasis on Marketing from Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing (ESPM), where she also completed an Executive Marketing Program. Previously, she held positions in marketing and sales at other global companies such as Tim and Melitta.
In accordance with ESG policies, Acer has implemented the Corporate Sustainability Committee (CSC), which includes participation from all executive leadership. It is responsible for approving sustainability visions. The CSC establishes working groups in corporate governance, risk management, innovation, and product lifecycle, as well as environmental management and supply chain, addressing these issues across various departments, facilitating communication, coordination, and planning.
Each year, the company prioritizes its activities through materiality assessment and the demands of various stakeholders. It integrates ESG criteria into its business strategy and decision-making through initiatives such as promoting sustainable and responsible practices in the supply chain, developing energy-efficient products using sustainable materials, and implementing recycling programs. This effort unites employees and partners.
Regarding partners, it also prioritizes collaboration with those dedicated to social causes, as seen in the Humanity Project and Earthion program. Key challenges include meeting the growing environmental and social expectations of its many stakeholders, ensuring that Acer has a positive impact on the environment and society, and raising consumer awareness about the importance of sustainability.
“Acer is involved in the RE100 initiative, which aims to ensure that 100% of its energy comes from renewable sources by 2035.”
GREEN PAGES – What are the company’s main commitments on ESG topics?
Caroline Raimundo – We have established several short-term goals to be achieved by 2025 in the areas of circular economy, climate change, and social impact. In circular economy, the goal is to incorporate 20% to 30% post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) in computers and monitors. For climate change, Acer Group aims to achieve 60% renewable electricity usage, reduce the average energy consumption of computers by 45% compared to 2016, and ensure that 80% of critical suppliers are committed to RE100 or have carbon reduction targets (SBTs). In the area of social impact, the goal is to have over 90% of employees engaged in the Humanity Project. In the long term, Acer has committed to using 100% renewable energy by 2035 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is also committed to initiatives like the Earthion program and adhering to science-based targets (SBT), aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Additionally, Acer is involved in the RE100 initiative, which aims to ensure that 100% of its energy comes from renewable sources by 2035.
PV – When did Acer start producing machines with sustainable materials?
CR – The incorporation of sustainable materials in products and packaging dates to 2012, when the company began designing products to meet eco-label standards like EPEAT. It continues to design products that can achieve EPEAT and TCO Certified designation worldwide, which are currently the most recognized environmental labels. In addition to requirements related to product chemical substances and energy consumption, aspects such as the use of recycled materials, product repairability, extension of its lifecycle, and offering take-back services are covered. Recently, it has prioritized machines made with sustainable materials with the launch of the Vero line. We have been actively working to incorporate sustainable materials, such as post-consumer recycled plastics, into notebooks, monitors, projectors, and air purifiers. The Vero line is a concrete example of our commitment to offering more eco-friendly options to consumers.
PV – Are servers and computers programmed with energy-saving modes?
CR – Energy efficiency has always been one of the key indicators in the design of our products. We use the ENERGY STAR standard from the United States as a basis for design. With the introduction of Modern Standby power management, the typical energy consumption (ETEC) of notebooks and desktop computers has decreased. Compared to 2016, we have reduced the average energy consumption of our notebooks by 39% and desktops by 35%. This also represents a reduction in the carbon footprint of our products during use. We are advancing towards the goal of reducing the average energy consumption of personal computers by 45% by 2025.
PV – Is it possible to combine performance and sustainability?
CR – Yes, it is possible to combine performance and sustainability. Acer develops products with energy efficiency, long lifespan, and sustainable materials, ensuring they deliver high performance while minimizing their environmental impact.
PV – Are the packages made from recycled materials?
CR – Through Acer’s Packaging Design Principles, we examine the lifecycle of our packaging and make informed decisions about their environmental impact at each stage, from initial research and material selection, through manufacturing and transportation, to use and waste processing. We are reducing the volume and weight of packaging, simplifying and standardizing sizes and prints, and further reducing energy consumption for transportation. We are also replacing plastic-based packaging materials with paper-based alternatives whenever possible to cushion products during transportation.
PV – Can you give an example?
CR – The packaging design of the Acer Aspire Vero laptop maintains the concept of reducing and reusing plastic. It replaces shrink wrap and plastic bags with recycled paper, improving the functionality of reusable packaging materials. For example, the packaging box can be easily assembled and reused as a storage box, and the internal divider can be transformed into a laptop stand with just a few simple steps. The paper tray and cushion can be used as a plant pot, extending the life cycle of the packaging material, echoing Acer’s circular design concept. This year’s packaging box uses 90% recycled pulp, and 100% of this pulp is used to make molded cushion materials. The notebook cover and the protective sheet between the keyboard and the screen are all made from 100% recycled PET material.
PV – What about reverse logistics?
CR – We are partners with Green Eletron for the collection of electronics and proper disposal of items. Voluntary drop-off points accept laptops, office electronics, small electronics, computer accessories, cables, chargers, and many other items. We also have a reverse logistics process at our repair center to dispose of electronic waste and packaging.
PV – How does the company engage in social and inclusion issues?
CR – We work in partnership with various institutions and NGOs, such as Lar Pequeno Cidadão, to promote social initiatives and improve quality of life in the communities where we operate. We also implement internal programs focused on employee well-being and mental health, recognizing the importance of addressing these issues in the workplace. For the second consecutive time, the company has been named one of the world’s best employers for women by Forbes magazine. This achievement is a testament to the exemplary commitment and dedication of each member of our team, especially our female colleagues, who play a key role in making Acer an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.
Source: Revista Eletrolar News – Edição #161
