Going Greener with Energy E cient STB Solution

According to the Paris Agreement, global carbon emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030. To achieve this goal, governments and organizations worldwide have introduced various eco-friendly policies and regulations. The telecom industry should play a significant role in this effort by prioritizing energy conservation through enhanced efficiency and minimizing technology-related emissions. It is crucial for enterprises to realize that sustainable development is not only an act of public welfare, but also closely related to their long-term survival.

ZTE's Journey Towards Green Business

Environmental conservation and reducing carbon emissions have emerged as shared responsibilities among countries and enterprises around the globe. ZTE, throughout the entire process spanning from ideation and planning to development, validation, production and operational management, has consistently prioritized environmental protection and carbon emission reduction, with clear implementation measures in place.

ZTE's set-top box (STB) products are fully compliant with international environmental standards such as CE, REACH and RoHS to ensure quality control. According to CE certification, ZTE needs to provide environmental test reports or assessment reports for its products, and add product recycling manuals to the product development output, while meeting customers' environmental certification requirements such as ULE certification. ZTE has been complying with relevant laws and regulations and environmental standards, taking into account customer needs and recyclable designs. In the operation and management sector, it develops recycling manuals, transforms network infrastructure, and implements reverse logistics processes including product returns, material substitution, reuse, waste disposal, repair, and remanufacturing to enhance the environmental efficiency of enterprises.

Through continuous efforts over the past fifteen years, ZTE has significantly enhanced its capabilities in environmentally friendly production, earning recognition and certification in the field of environmental protection. Each STB product is separately tested according to specific requirements to ensure that its commitment meets and exceeds the relevant standards.

ZTE's Pursuit of Ultimate Green Production

ZTE believes that the adoption of environmentally friendly materials is essential to its sustainable development. From product design to material selection, and throughout the entire lifecycle, ZTE always sticks to the principle of sustainable development. By opting for innovative recyclable materials, the company reduces carbon emissions and achieves sustainable utilization of resources.

• 95% PCR Plastic Casing

The utilization of 95% polymerase chain reaction (PCR) plastic is a predominant practice in the industry. However, increasing the proportion of recycled plastic may result in degraded material performance, affecting aspects such as infrared light projection. Compared to new materials, the mechanical properties of PCR materials exhibit minimal differences, including lower impact strength and elongation at break. From a product structural perspective, excessive PCR content can decrease impact strength and elongation at break, thereby increasing the risk of reduced performance. Additionally, in terms of appearance, it is not recommended to use high-gloss products with a high proportion of PCR material.

• 100% Recyclable and FSC MIX Paper

ZTE evaluates the materials it utilizes based on two criteria: their environmental impact and their technical practicality. Materials that not only have the least impact on the environment, but also meet customer quality requirements in terms of technical performance are given priority. This dual assurance of quality and environmental friendliness is essential. The benefits of recycled paper include low energy consumption, low waste disposal costs and low unit raw material costs, saving more than 50% of paper-making energy and reducing water pollution by 35%. As cost considerations and environmental awareness continue to gain prominence, recycled paper has become an indispensable raw material for the paper-making industry.

ZTE demonstrates its commitment to protecting forest ecosystems by utilizing green packaging materials that are FSC-certified. The FSC MIX certification indicates that at least 70% of the wood used in the product is sourced from FSC-certified or recycled materials, with the remaining 30% derived from controlled wood. Although choosing such paper materials increases the cost, it significantly enhances environmental friendliness.

• Plant-Based Ink and Plastic-Free Packaging Design

ZTE keeps improving its printing techniques and packaging materials to achieve sustainable innovations. Its product packaging incorporates various environmentally friendly approaches, making continuous breakthroughs on the path of sustainable innovation. It uses 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly plant-based ink in packaging, replacing petroleum-based inks that affect degradation rates. Compared to traditional petroleum-based inks, plant-based inks are not only safe and eco-friendly but also deliver excellent printing results.

• Halogen-Free STB Device

Halogens are harmful. Organic halogen compounds can cause cancer in the human body, and their low bio-degradation rates can lead to accumulation in ecosystem. Some volatile organic halides also have a significant destructive effect on the ozone layer, resulting in severe impacts on the the environment and human health. Therefore, halogen compounds are classified as harmful chemicals to both humans and the environment, and their use is prohibited or limited. ZTE uses halogen-free ABS materials for structural components, and its primary suppliers also adhere to halogen-free standards for cable wires, cable jackets, and cable connectors.

ZTE's Proactive Approach to Green Recycling

ZTE provides disassembly guidelines for recycling workers, encouraging the recycling of old products for maximum resource utilization.

• Plastic material: All components weighing over 50 grams with recycling labels and all the pure thermoplastic components can be recycled.
• Metal material: Iron, steel, aluminum, and copper are all recyclable.
• Electrical and electronic devices: Metals such as copper are recyclable.

ZTE's Commitment to Green Development

In the future, green practice will be a strategic approach for enterprises to attain sustainable development, and low-carbon and energy efficiency will become essential choices for their transformation and growth. ZTE will continue to adhere to the principles of sustainable development, continuously enhance the green attributes of its products, and optimize the environmental friendliness of its production processes. It strives to make contributions to global low-carbon initiatives and environmental protection efforts.