TE Connectivity Wins Global Manufacturer Award for Sustainability

31-10-2024 | By Jack Pollard

In an impressive nod to its commitment to sustainable practices, TE Connectivity has been honoured with the Global Manufacturer Award at the inaugural Waldom ESG Awards. Organised by Waldom Electronics, a longstanding leader in electronic component distribution, these awards are the first of their kind within the IP&E (Interconnect, Passive, and Electromechanical) sector, spotlighting companies that lead the way in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

This award recognises the strides made by TE Connectivity in promoting sustainability through innovative waste reduction and circular economy practices. As companies in the IP&E sector work to advance responsible manufacturing, Waldom’s ESG Awards set an industry-wide standard, encouraging sustainable and impactful practices across the supply chain.

Key Things to Know:  

  • TE Connectivity’s Industry Recognition: Honoured with the Global Manufacturer Award at Waldom's inaugural ESG Awards, TE Connectivity stands out for its leadership in sustainability within the IP&E sector.
  • Commitment to a Circular Economy: TE Connectivity actively contributes to Waldom’s Green Stock Program, repurposing excess inventory to reduce landfill waste and promote resource conservation.
  • Setting New Sustainability Standards: Through responsible manufacturing practices, TE Connectivity sets a high benchmark, inspiring the electronics sector to prioritise environmental goals alongside operational success.
  • Endorsement from Industry Leaders: Waldom CEO Don Akery emphasises TE Connectivity’s positive impact on industry-wide sustainability practices.

Importance of the Global Manufacturer Award

The Global Manufacturer Award, one of the most distinguished honours at Waldom’s inaugural ESG Awards, is dedicated to recognising companies that excel in promoting sustainability and responsible manufacturing within the IP&E sector. This award specifically celebrates those manufacturers whose initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, waste reduction, and sustainable resource management.

TE Connectivity’s achievement of this award underscores the vital role of large-scale manufacturers in advancing sustainability goals. The Global Manufacturer Award represents more than just recognition; it symbolises an industry commitment to integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into the core of manufacturing processes. By acknowledging these efforts, Waldom Electronics aims to set a new benchmark, inspiring companies across the sector to align business success with ethical and eco-conscious practices.

With this award, Waldom highlights the impact of responsible practices in building resilient supply chains, fostering circular economy models, and reducing environmental impact — all crucial steps as the electronics industry confronts the challenges of sustainable growth.

TE Connectivity’s Achievement

As a global leader in the design and manufacturing of connectors and sensors, TE Connectivity has long been at the forefront of innovation within the electronics industry. With a strong commitment to advancing technology in ways that serve both industry demands and environmental needs, TE Connectivity has set high standards for sustainability in manufacturing. This leadership position, combined with its dedicated approach to responsible resource management, played a key role in securing the Global Manufacturer Award.

TE Connectivity met Waldom’s criteria for the award by demonstrating effective, measurable sustainability practices. In 2023, the company made significant strides in reducing waste and supporting a circular economy, achieving this through an impactful partnership with Waldom’s Green Stock Program. By actively reusing and repurposing returned and excess inventory, TE Connectivity successfully diverted valuable components from landfills, extending the life of these products within the supply chain. This effort not only minimised waste but also optimised resource use, reinforcing a sustainable model within the electronics sector.

These actions reflect TE Connectivity’s broader sustainability objectives, showcasing how the company integrates environmentally responsible practices into every stage of its operations. Their achievements highlight a proactive approach to waste reduction and resource conservation, setting a high standard for others in the IP&E sector to follow.

Contribution to Waldom’s Green Stock Program

A key initiative in Waldom Electronics’ sustainability efforts, the Green Stock Program is designed to minimise waste within the IP&E sector by extending the lifecycle of valuable electronic components. This program allows manufacturers to redirect excess and returned inventory back into the supply chain, reducing landfill waste and supporting sustainable consumption practices. By participating in the Green Stock Program, companies contribute to a circular economy model, where resources are continuously repurposed rather than discarded.

TE Connectivity has been an instrumental partner in the success of the Green Stock Program. In 2023, the company redirected a substantial volume of inventory back through Waldom’s distribution network, effectively preventing these components from ending up in landfills. This redirection not only conserved valuable resources but also reduced the environmental impact of waste disposal, aligning closely with both TE Connectivity’s and Waldom’s shared vision of sustainable manufacturing.

Through its active contributions, TE Connectivity has exemplified how manufacturers can leverage programs like Green Stock to achieve environmental and operational benefits simultaneously. By extending the lifecycle of critical components, TE Connectivity is helping to reinforce a resilient and sustainable supply chain that prioritises resource conservation and reduces waste across the industry.

Impact on the Industry

TE Connectivity’s commitment to sustainability has set a powerful example within the IP&E sector, influencing how manufacturers approach environmental responsibility. As a recognised leader in connectors and sensors, TE Connectivity’s actions resonate throughout the industry, encouraging other companies to adopt similar waste reduction and sustainable supply chain practices. By embracing circular economy principles and actively working to reduce waste, TE Connectivity is effectively raising the bar for responsible manufacturing practices.

In achieving the Global Manufacturer Award, TE Connectivity not only highlighted the feasibility of incorporating sustainability into high-volume production but also demonstrated how these practices can coexist with operational efficiency. The company’s partnership with Waldom’s Green Stock Program is an impactful model, showing that significant environmental gains can be achieved through collaborative, programmatic approaches. This level of commitment from a major player in the sector sets a clear benchmark, inspiring others to prioritise sustainability in their operational strategies.

The broader implications of TE Connectivity’s achievements extend beyond the immediate benefits of waste reduction. As the electronics industry faces increasing scrutiny from consumers and regulators alike, companies that embrace sustainable practices are positioned to lead the future of the sector. TE Connectivity’s influence is a reminder that sustainability is not just a responsibility but an opportunity for innovation and leadership within electronics manufacturing.

Quotes from Key Figures

Don Akery, CEO of Waldom Electronics, praised TE Connectivity’s outstanding commitment to sustainability, highlighting their influential role in the industry. “We are thrilled to present TE Connectivity with this award,” Akery stated. “Their leadership in sustainability sets a powerful example for the entire industry, demonstrating how thoughtful practices can drive both business success and environmental responsibility.” His words underscore the significant impact of TE Connectivity’s approach to sustainable manufacturing and responsible resource management.

Akery’s endorsement reflects the growing importance of sustainability within the IP&E sector and positions TE Connectivity as a model for others to follow. By recognising TE’s achievements, Akery acknowledges the broader implications of their work on industry standards, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable practices across the board. His statement illustrates how TE Connectivity’s initiatives are helping redefine what it means to be a responsible manufacturer, setting a precedent that aligns business objectives with ecological stewardship.

About Waldom Electronics

With over 75 years of experience, Waldom Electronics has established itself as “The Distributor’s Distributor,” dedicated to serving a global network of over 2,500 distributors in the electronics industry. Founded on principles of efficiency and support, Waldom has built a reputation as a trusted partner for both manufacturers and distributors, providing innovative solutions that streamline supply chains and enhance inventory management. By selling exclusively to distributors rather than OEMs or end-users, Waldom plays a unique role in supporting the electronics supply chain.

Waldom’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its various initiatives, including the Green Stock Program, which promotes responsible resource use by redistributing excess inventory. This program aligns with Waldom’s mission to foster a circular economy within the industry, helping to minimise waste while maximising the lifecycle of valuable electronic components. Through partnerships with manufacturers like TE Connectivity, Waldom demonstrates how distribution can contribute to environmental goals and industry-wide sustainability efforts.

To learn more about Waldom Electronics and its sustainability initiatives, visit their website at www.waldom.com.

Closing Thoughts

The Global Manufacturer Award presented to TE Connectivity highlights their substantial contributions to sustainability within the IP&E sector. By actively reducing waste, extending the lifecycle of essential components, and embracing circular economy practices, TE Connectivity exemplifies the meaningful impact that responsible manufacturing can have on both the environment and industry standards. This recognition by Waldom Electronics not only honours TE’s achievements but also underscores the growing emphasis on sustainable practices across the electronics sector.

As ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives gain traction in the IP&E industry, companies are increasingly called upon to incorporate sustainability into their core operations. The efforts of industry leaders like TE Connectivity serve as an inspiration, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can drive innovation and add value across the supply chain. This shift towards sustainability is not only a response to environmental challenges but also a strategic move that positions companies for long-term success in an evolving market. With trailblazers like TE Connectivity setting the standard, the future of electronics manufacturing appears to be one that embraces both technological advancement and ecological stewardship.

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By Jack Pollard

Jack has spent over a decade in media within the electronics industry and is extremely passionate about working with companies to create interesting and educational content, from podcasts and video to written articles for engineers and buyers.