The convergence between digitalization and sustainability has ceased to be an aspiration of corporate responsibility and has become a fundamental pillar of the operational strategy of large organizations. The recent publication of the guide “How to implement Sustainable Purchasing in ICT”, developed by Epson in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Sustainability Managers (DIRSE), highlights a critical paradigm shift for technology leaders: the purchasing decision can no longer be governed exclusively by CAPEX or immediate technical performance, but must integrate environmental and social impact as a metric of success.
The current scenario presents a challenge of massive proportions to the global technological infrastructure. The most recent data is compelling and demands an immediate response from management: sIn 2022 alone, 62 million tons of electronic waste will be generated worldwideof which an alarming 22% received the appropriate recycling treatment. This reality places the IT department at the center of the sustainability equation, forcing us to rethink the supply architecture under criteria of energy efficiency, extreme durability and reconditioning capacity.
The guide presented by DIRSE and Epson acts as a technical and directive roadmap to navigate this increasingly demanding regulatory environment. The document transcends theory to offer a practical implementation framework that allows corporations to integrate ethical and environmental criteria into their bidding and procurement. This is not just about regulatory compliance, but a clear opportunity for corporate leadership, where innovation is aligned with long-term operational efficiency.
A differentiating aspect of this analysis is the inclusion of verifiable success stories that demonstrate the viability of this model in highly demanding environments. Organizations of the stature of Telefónica, NTT DATA, Bureau Veritas, Zamora Company and Hiberus Group They are already executing these strategies, validating that sustainability in ICT purchases is compatible with profitability and operational excellence. These companies have managed to integrate the sustainable variable into their value chain, demonstrating that the market is ripe for this transition.
On a purely technological level, the report highlights specific innovations that enable this transformation, such as Epson’s Heatless technology. This technical solution addresses two of the main pain points in managing corporate printing fleets: energy consumption and physical waste generation. By removing heat from the inkjet process, the electrical demand of the equipment is drastically reduced and the need for consumables and spare parts is minimized, directly impacting the reduction of the operational carbon footprint and maintenance costs.
The message is unmistakable. Sustainability is no longer a satellite to integrate into the core of IT governance. Tools like this guide, free of charge for professionals in the sector, are essential instruments to lead a transition that is no longer optional, but a business imperative that will define the competitiveness of companies in the next decade.
