Why circular IT is a strategic imperative for CIOs in 2025

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Global, May 29, 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, IT leaders have a unique opportunity to drive measurable environmental and financial impact. According to the Logicalis CIO Report, a remarkable 94% of CIOs now view IT as core to achieving their organisation’s sustainability goals, and 91% have already realised direct financial benefits from environmental technology investments. 

This convergence of sustainability and profitability is reshaping how CIOs approach technology strategy. Circular IT is no longer just a green initiative – it’s a strategic imperative. By extending the lifecycle of IT assets, reducing e-waste, and leveraging vendor takeback programs, CIOs can transform their departments into sustainability powerhouses while unlocking new economic value. Here are five strategic actions CIOs can take to lead the charge:

  1. Cut CO2 emissions with refreshed hardware
    1. Logicalis works with Cisco to offer certified remanufactured hardware that performs like new, comes with full warranties, and is significantly more carbon-efficient. This approach reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing and helps organisations meet their carbon reduction targets – something 93% of CIOs are actively pursuing.
  2. Ethically recycle and reuse IT assets
    1. The global e-waste crisis is escalating, but Logicalis’ IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) services ensure secure, compliant, and ethical, disposal of end-of-life equipment. Devices are wiped using military-grade techniques and either reused or remanufactured, helping organisations avoid landfill and recover residual value.
  3. Recover value from retired equipment
    1. Circular IT isn’t just about sustainability – it’s about smart economics. Refurbishing and reselling decommissioned assets can significantly reduce IT costs without compromising performance. This aligns with the 2025 CIO Report’s finding that 53% of organisations have seen significant financial returns from environmental tech investments.
  4. Leverage vendor takeback programs
    1. Logicalis enables access to programs like Cisco Takeback, which allows customers to return end-of-use hardware at no cost. These programs not only reduce waste but can also generate rebates for future innovation. It’s a win-win for sustainability and budget-conscious CIOs.
  5. Design for circularity from the start
    1. Logicalis helps organisations refresh aging infrastructure with more power-efficient models and consults on sustainable IT design. This proactive approach ensures that sustainability is embedded across the digital estate – from procurement to end-of-life. 

As the Logicalis CIO Report 2025 makes clear, the role of the CIO is evolving. Technology leaders are no longer just stewards of infrastructure – they are architects of sustainable growth. Embracing circular IT allows CIOs to reduce environmental impact, unlock cost savings, and demonstrate measurable return on innovation. 

Don’t let your IT assets become a liability. Join the circular economy revolution and lead your organisation toward a more sustainable and profitable future. 

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