How Belkin’s Technology Powers Its Carbon-Neutral Mission

Sustainability has become integral to business strategy as consumers and stakeholders continue to demand greater accountability and transparency.

In light of this, a leading consumer electronics company, Belkin, has continued to demonstrate how technology-led innovation is key to achieving its carbon-neutral and circular economy goals in its Impact Report 2024.

It focuses on embedding sustainability into product design, advancing life-cycle assessment (LCA) capabilities and utilising digital tools for ESG integration to redefine how electronics are designed and manufactured for environmental impact.

This secures Belkin’s position as a climate-conscious, tech-forward manufacturer, advancing supplier accountability and internal innovation to reach carbon neutrality. 

Steve Malony, CEO of Belkin, explains: “At Belkin, our commitment to finding a more responsible way to build products is stronger than ever. Our mission goes beyond creating products that empower people to get more life out of every single day — it’s about driving positive change for the planet and its people.

“At the heart of our strategy is a commitment to continuous improvement. We are proud of our progress, but we know we are just getting started.

“We also understand that we cannot achieve these ambitious goals ourselves. We are working with governments, businesses and communities worldwide to cooperate with us in this shared responsibility. By coming together, we can create a future that reflects our collective values. 

“As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, let us also push the boundaries of what it means to build a better, more sustainable world — for everyone.”

Sustainable product design

Belkin’s 2024 Impact Report outlines a clear, technology-led approach to sustainable product design, with a focus on cutting environmental impact through material engineering, innovation and product lifecycle optimisation.

Belkin’s R&D teams integrate high levels of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in product enclosures, including 95% PCR PET braided cables and up to 90% PCR in chargers, to spearhead material innovation.

It also actively investigates non-PFAS alternatives, using chemical safety frameworks and collaborating with suppliers to phase out toxic substances from manufacturing and design. 

Belkin uses ISO 14040/44-compliant LCA software to evaluate environmental impacts at every stage of a product’s lifecycle.

This unlocks product-specific emissions modelling using primary data from supply chain and engineering teams and measures across eight categories, including material circularity and global warming potential. 

The design team focuses on optimising both environmental benefit and product performance. Cables and chargers are re-engineered for durability and minimal carbon output, achieving up to 84.8% emissions reduction.

InvisiGlass screen protectors not only use recycled glass but also reduce carbon emissions by 60% compared to standard models.

Smaller packaging formats also help cut the carbon footprint of logistics and shipping.

Belkin’s sustainable product design strategy is integrated in material science, R&D, compliance tech and lifecycle software. The company focuses on integrating chemistry, data and engineering to redefine product development for a low-carbon, circular economy.

Tackling Scope 3

Belkin focuses on supplier integration, data-driven modelling and lifecycle analysis to address Scope 3 emissions. 

ISO 14040 and 14044-compliant Life Cycle Assessment software evaluates Scope 3 emissions across all product categories. This allows the company to craft a Scope 3 emissions baseline by modelling key products using primary data from suppliers and applying results across their portfolio to refine reduction strategies.

Belkin moved to using Green-e-certified emissions factors. This change allowed for greater comparability and consistency in Scope 3 emissions reporting across global operations and streamlined auditing through standardised data inputs.

The company identified the key emissions drivers in its Scope 3 footprint as:

• 64% from product manufacturing
• 34% from product use by customers
• Remaining emissions from end-of-life treatment and transportation

Belkin’s Scope 3 decarbonisation helps inform its 2030 carbon neutrality goal. This is supported by circular economy practices to minimise waste and product-level redesign using PCR materials and low-carbon packaging. The company showcases how technological integration across the product and supply chain lifecycle can help achieve significant decarbonisation.

A model for greener consumer tech

Belkin’s sustainability strategy integrates technological innovation, environmental accountability and lifecycle-based decision-making to enhance greener consumer technology. 

The company uses ISO-compliant LCA tools to quantify Scope 3 emissions, informing product design and material choices. 

Product housings now contain up to 90% post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) materials, helping to cut carbon emissions.

Since 2019, Belkin has achieved an 89% reduction in single-use plastics as all new products use FSC-certified, plastic-free packaging.

Belkin has also achieved full Scope 1 and 2 carbon neutrality through facility upgrades and renewable energy initiatives.

Its strategy sets a standard for how the consumer tech sector can combine accountability and innovation to meet global climate goals. 

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