Key Takeaway
Cisco’s implementation of circular design involved extensive collaboration, with over 7,000 employees undergoing specialized training. Chief Sustainability Officer Mary de Wysocki highlighted this achievement as a result of teamwork and creativity, emphasizing the benefits of reduced waste, extended product life, and enhanced efficiency. A crucial component of the initiative is the Circular Design Evaluation Tool, which assesses new products and packaging against 25 principles, requiring a minimum score of 75% for approval. Additionally, Cisco established a governance structure with dedicated committees to ensure accountability and alignment throughout the process.
Training and Governance Drive Implementation
The rollout required extensive internal collaboration, with over 7,000 employees completing specialized circular design training.
Cisco’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Mary de Wysocki, announced this achievement on the company’s website, highlighting it as the outcome of a sustained, collective effort.
“This moment signifies years of partnership, creativity, and persistence across our teams,” she states.
“By designing with circularity in mind, we are not only minimizing waste; we are also extending product life, enhancing efficiency and security, and making significant progress for our customers and communities.”
A crucial component of the program was Cisco’s web-based Circular Design Evaluation Tool, which evaluates every new product and packaging design against the company’s 25 principles.
Each product must achieve a minimum score of 75% to receive release approval.
To ensure accountability and alignment, Cisco also established a governance structure that includes dedicated steering, oversight, and audit committees.
