Several major companies are now active on socially responsible purchasing and reverse logistics. Used products can be returned to the initial company in order to integrate these product into a new product-cycle. Supply Chain Magazine gathered some key data on reverse logistics. Their research stated that the main reasons to develop reverse logistics are customer demand, optimizing the logistic flow and corporate reputation. Reverse logistics is not only reducing the amount of waste, it is also an extra service to the customer. Telenet, a leading Belgium provider of media and telecommunication services provides used set-top boxes and modems with a new home or prepare the products for recycling.

Outsourcing and taking responsibility
For more than ten years now, Telenet is partnering with sheltered workshop Imsir to make used products ready for recycling or a new destination. In their joint programme ‘reverse logistics with a social touch’ Imsir is repackaging products with environmental-friendly material. In 2011, this recycling process reduced the amount of waste with 600 tons. Furthermore, through this long-term partnership, labor positions are generated for people with limited access to the labor market.  

Renaat Berckmoes, Chief Financial Officer Telenet: “I am relieved with the structural partnership with the sheltered workshop Imsir. Together, we have created an efficient reverse flow. In the future, this partnership will become more and more important as reverse logistics is growing and the attention for CSR is also increasing. In the cooperation with Imsir, the social aspect is very important. Through the partnership we create job opportunities for people with limited access to the labor market. Therefore, Telenet will become ambassador of VLAB, the umbrella organization for sheltered workshops in Flanders.”

Connecting teambuilding and voluntary work
At the yearly Supply Chain Awards in Belgium, Telenet and Imsir received the audience award for best initiative. In order to further strengthen the partnership, the Telenet Foundation started a new programme to share knowledge and improve employee involvement. Telenet employees are going to educate people at Imsir on several IT subjects such as online banking or social media. Telenet connects teambuilding to voluntary work which results in a useful and educating process for both organizations. 

Between-us supports organizations in supply chain management and provides recommendations how to become more efficient and realize innovations. Optimize waste management, monitor the environmental impact, design-for-the-environment and transparent communication are just some examples. For more information on this subject, please contact Jan van der Kaaij, managing partner of Between-us, via jan@between-us.nl or call +31 76 522 28 17.