Zyxel Networks champions sustainability and environmental protection both in its manufacturing operations and on a global scale
Zyxel Networks, a leading provider of secure, cloud-powered networking solutions, is committed to sustainable business practices. As a member of the global community, the company embeds sustainability and social responsibility into its strategic priorities in five key areas: the environment, social aspects, governance, environmental declarations and inclusive workplace. This approach demonstrates that it is possible to strike the right balance between corporate growth and environmental sustainability while benefiting society as a whole.
Our principles of environmental responsibility
The threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss are growing. Zyxel Networks monitors and analyses these developments and strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the energy efficiency of its products. The company complies with strict international standards regarding the reduction of hazardous, chemical or polluting substances (RoHS, REACH, persistent organic pollutants).
The company’s management holds consultations with employees on how to get them involved in ESH (environment, safety & health) activities, ensuring the employees know their responsibilities.
Zyxel Networks is also a role model for other organisations by purchasing energy efficient products only and by continually improving the energy efficiency of its products. The company develops products that are environmentally friendly, for example by using halogen-free soy-based ink, thereby reducing their environmental impact. The company’s manufacturing processes include, among other things, the recycling of resources, control of chemicals, and prevention of occupational hazards.
Energy efficiency is key for Zyxel Networks
Zyxel Networks focuses on reducing the energy consumption of its networking products and improving their energy efficiency, for example by using power adapters with up to 85% efficiency. The PoE technology ensures that devices draw only the power they really need, reducing consumption and increasing the number of devices that may be connected.
Keeping track of product carbon footprint
The company’s plan for tracking its product carbon footprint incorporates a resource management concept where the life cycle principle is fully considered from an early stage of product design. In accordance with this plan, the product design process forms part of the environmental impact assessment, providing a great opportunity to minimise both direct and indirect environmental impacts of products. This allows achieving the objectives defined in the plan, which include, among other things, the implementation of organic/ecological/sustainable product design and manufacture.
Environmentally friendly product packaging
Zyxel Networks uses packaging that is designed to be lighter, recyclable and safe. By 2025, the company aims to discontinue the use of plastic bags and ensure that all of its packaging material is made only from 100% recyclable paper.
The company has reduced the packaging volume by 36.7% by optimising product appearance and design while increasing the number of products transported on a pallet by 47.7% by modifying the pallet specifications. These steps significantly reduce waste production, facilitate transportation and help lower the carbon footprint. In addition, products now come with the necessary recycling instructions. To help save paper, the product manual and warranty certificate are available by scanning the QR code printed on the packaging.
Examples of products designed with the environment in mind include the USG LITE 60AX firewall, which sets an industry-leading standard for eco-friendliness with a casing that is 95%-made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. The use of this recycled material delivers an 81% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to ABS plastic.
Net zero emissions by 2050
Zyxel Networks is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. To ensure better tracking, the company has launched a digital platform which monitors, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) procedures, carbon emissions and energy use both across the group and in its supply chain.
The company conducts due diligence checks at regular intervals and demands the same standards of social responsibility from all of its suppliers. Zyxel Networks requires that all of its suppliers comply with its Sustainable Procurement Policy and Code of Conduct, which covers areas such as pollution prevention, water management and carbon footprint management. In other words, both Zyxel Networks and its suppliers invest in sustainable development, conduct regular audits and evaluate their performance.
Our commitment to sustainability has been recognised in international competitions, such as our inclusion in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 where we were awarded in the “Top 5%” and “Industry Mover” categories. Zyxel Networks also received an ESG A Rating from MSCI and other major awards for sustainability and information security.
Zyxel Networks hereby commits itself to long-term sustainable growth and to creating a positive impact on the environment and society, which is an integral part of its corporate philosophy.