Around 7 out of 10 consumers today express growing concerns about how current supply chain practices impact the climate. Despite many differing views, sustainability is consistently becoming a high demand, especially amongst younger consumers under the age of 32. Studies indicate that around 81% of consumers expect brands to be eco-friendly conscious, and that number is only expected to grow.  

Navigating through both the post-pandemic market and intensifying labor and supply shortages, warehouses seeking to modernize operations may be faced with multiple optimization pathways. To proactively stay ahead of demands, it is recommended that new modernization strategies also prioritize sustainability through…

  • Fewer deployed devices for less energy expenses – Less devices on the floor means less devices in the landfills. To accomplish this, leading manufacturers like Zebra Technologies consolidate several key functions like data capture, push-to-talk communication, and inventory updates all through one mobile device.  
  • Environmentally friendly labels that minimize carbon footprint – Paper is one of the most common items filling up landfills. As more customers become conscious of wasteful packaging, warehouses have begun to implement eco-friendly labels and tags like Zebra’s Linerless and PolyE 4000D labels which minimize waste by eliminating liners and contaminants from label composition. 
  • Mass digitization for paperless data capture – Lastly, automated data capture meets sustainability demands by limiting the use of paper-based systems and costly errors. Moreover, digitized data processing also facilitates data sharing across the supply chain, ensuring every team has access to vital information from anywhere without additional paper-pencil systems. 

How to get started

Because every business is inherently unique, modernization strategies may look different, integrating a variety of technologies such as smarter label printing, RFID tracking, and even predictive analytics to name a few. While services should differ for best results, SSE Technologies assists you in taking the first step by facilitating eco-friendly upgrades through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Whether you are trading in a 10-year-old bulky printer or a last generation mobile computer, decrease e-waste when you upgrade in three steps:

  1. Purchase your modernized device – newer devices are built to streamline multiple workflows through one user-friendly interface, eliminating the need to buy -and later dispose of- additional electronic devices. 
  2. Submit your claim form within 90 days of your invoice date – Zebra’s team works with verified recyclers to make sure your outdated devices are properly disposed of without harming the environment or hitting landfills. 
  3. Trade in your legacy device – Regardless the manufacturer, GO Zebra accepts any trade-in for eligible upgrades while issuing rebates up to $650 per upgraded purchase completed before December 31st. 

As with any optimization plan, early planning is key to ensure success. Contact our modernization specialists today to start evaluating your operations and targeting optimization areas for better sustainability in the new year.