How Cisco Harnesses Circular Design for Sustainable Products

Introduction to Cisco’s Circular Economy Achievement

Cisco reached its 2025 goal. The company used circular design for every new product and piece of packaging. Mary de Wysocki led this work. She is Cisco’s Chief Sustainability Officer. Her team’s efforts earned Cisco the 2025 Reuters Global Sustainability Award for Circularity. Each word in this story links directly to the next, making ideas clear and strong.

Understanding Circularity in Manufacturing

Circularity means keeping each material in active use. This idea stops waste. It works by reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling. It makes a closed loop for both products and materials. Mary de Wysocki explains that circular design reduces waste. It also lengthens product life, boosts efficiency, and secures value for customers and communities. Each connection is tight to help the reader grasp the link between ideas.

Cisco’s Structured Approach to Circular Design

Cisco built a tool called the Circular Design Evaluation Tool. This web system checks each product and package with 25 Circular Design Principles. A product must score at least 75% to launch. Cisco also set up steering and audit committees. These groups manage and check circular design throughout the company. Their work keeps the process steady and clear. The design allows others to follow this path toward sustainability.

Material and Cost Savings from Circular Initiatives

• Cisco changed the Webex Room Bar by cutting foam packaging. The product now uses 55% recycled plastic. This change saves more than 14,515 kg (32,000 lbs) of material each year.

• In the Catalyst 9000 Product Line, Cisco stopped using oil-based paint. This tweak saved roughly US$9 million from 2020 to the 2025 fiscal year. It also cut volatile organic compounds by 318 metric tonnes. CO2 emissions dropped by around 3,400 metric tonnes. Each improvement links closely to lower costs and improved environmental care.

Data-Driven Sustainability and Future Focus

Cisco built a central Sustainability Data Foundation. This foundation gathers and rules sustainability numbers. It helps the company follow carbon footprints and efficiency gains. Cisco shares progress with its Purpose Reporting Hub and yearly reports. As digital systems grow, especially in AI, circular design guides the wise use of raw materials. Every data point connects smoothly to the next idea.

Ongoing Commitment and Innovation

Cisco has reached full circular design but does not stop there. The company holds teardown events that bring together engineers, marketers, and supply chain partners. They search for new ideas in sustainable hardware, packaging, sourcing, and repairability. Mary de Wysocki notes that circular design is good for business. It builds value across Cisco’s network and promises long-term improvements. Each idea builds on the last, leading to a clear path forward.

Key Takeaways

• Cisco reached 100% circular design integration for new products and packaging by 2025.
• Circularity aims to end waste with reuse, repair, and recycling.
• A web-based evaluation tool and governance teams keep the plan on track.
• Sustainable changes cut material use, costs, and emissions.
• A data-centered approach backs clear, honest reporting and growth.
• Cisco continues to drive circular innovation to improve product life and reduce environmental impact.

Cisco’s leadership in the circular economy shows that sustainability can work well in business. Their method links ideas closely. This clear design can inspire others in manufacturing and technology to build a greener future.

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