GTDC sustainability project leader on the growing need for collaboration in distribution

“Distributors should emphasise and champion the sustainability features of IT products as a key selection criterion," Dominique Deklerck tells CRN

At CRN's Sustainability in Tech Summit, Dominique Deklerck, sustainability project leader at GTDC and founder of Maramu BV, made it clear that while distribution has made strides in sustainability, much more remains to be done.

Deklerck pointed out that while the industry’s focus on sustainability reporting and compliance has been a positive shift, more actionable steps need to be taken towards circularity.

"We're still in the phase of trying to scope where we are, especially in view of what we need to report.

“But the actual action of doing something? We're still at the very, very beginning," he said.

One key area where the TD SYNNEX vet believes distributors can make an impact is in promoting sustainable technology.

" Today, if you visit a distributor’s website, you still find little that helps you choose between a more sustainable product versus a less sustainable one, he stated.

“There’s little information on carbon footprint, energy efficiency, or eco-labels. This needs to change.

“Distributors should emphasise and champion the sustainability features of IT products as a key selection criterion."

Collaboration is another area that needs improvement, according to Deklerck.

"Can we do more? Yes, obviously.

“But right now, everyone is working in silos. At GTDC, we try to foster collaboration among distributors, but it’s less than natural, he explained.

“Many still see sustainability as a competitive differentiator when, in reality, it should be an area of collaboration."

Regulatory changes will also shape the sustainability landscape.

Deklerck highlighted the upcoming simplification of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the importance of the Digital Product Passport.

"By 2030, the Digital Product Passport will be mandated.

“It's a crucial instrument in transitioning to a circular economy, yet there’s little traction for it in the IT industry. We should be embracing it now."

He also pointed to the role of data in sustainability efforts, stressing that distributors are sitting on a wealth of information that could be leveraged more effectively.

"With all the data we have, we're still at the very beginning of actually using it to drive sustainability.

“There’s so much more we can do, whether it’s publishing carbon footprint data, engaging with sustainability labels, or driving awareness of environmentally responsible options."

Reflecting on the event, Deklerck was encouraged by the positive momentum.

"Sustainability can often feel like a negative space—regulations, compliance, limitations. But today, there were a lot of hopeful messages. That was energising."