Using recycled materials helps conserve natural resources and lower environmental impact. Several Axis cameras today contain more than 50% of recycled plastic. Our goal is that 20% of all plastics in our products should be bio-based or recycled by 2024. We have also set goals to minimize water use in our manufacturing, an area that uses large amounts of water. And, by identifying the most water-intensive processes we can reduce water consumption.
Our focus is on a circular product lifecycle. This starts by using a green design approach, lowering waste and streamlining logistics flows to cut emissions. We have set a goal to ensure all products are free from materials such as brominated and chlorinated flame retardants (BFR and CFR) by latest 2024. We will also phase out PVC. 80% of Axis cameras are already PVC free. Green design is also about reducing components such as screws while increasing the life length of products, and making repair, reuse and recycling keys to our future product development.
We only choose materials classed as safe and circular to make sure they are not harmful to humans, have a minimum effect on the environment and can be reused without contamination. We meet the standards in EU directives on restricting certain hazardous substances including the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Our products do not contain conflict minerals such as gold, tantalum, tin, or tungsten that finance armed conflicts. Neither do we engage in any sourcing activities which may finance conflicts or involve any form of violation of human rights or compulsory labor.
Analysis shows that 60-80 % of environmental impact from network cameras comes from energy consumption while they are running. We are researching into innovative technologies to reduce the amount of energy our products use. Examples include Axis Lightfinder technology that delivers high-resolution, full-color video even in near darkness. It delivers excellent image quality with needing external light sources.
What makes a city smart? Effectively improving quality of life for people who live in them. Our solutions help cities meet their daily challenges, while supporting their sustainability goals, like monitoring and analyzing air quality, noise pollution, weather, waste, and optimizing street lighting.