‘There will be a lot of changes’: Chris Perry on net zero ambitions

Ikonic’s MD discusses carbon neutrality, circularity and UK-based refurbishing

Ikonic Technology Limited, the British distributor with nearly £140m in revenue and a large European customer base, is not just focused on red banknotes but also on green targets.

The company intends to reach net zero emissions by 2038, ahead of the government’s 2050 objective.

While the Manchester-HQ organisation is committed to this goal, its MD Chris Perry tells CRN this is not “a nailed-on target.”

He explains the firm has a plan reviewed annually and every three years, which currently suggests it is on track, but the distie’s leader notes “there will be a lot of changes” in the tech landscape before the deadline.

“People need to be pragmatic. One of the biggest pieces in the IT industry’s carbon footprint is logistics,” says Perry.

“Until all major logistics players have credible, transparent and trackable data, I don’t think we can fully answer exactly how we’ll get to net zero by 2038.”

The MD insists this a genuine ambition, even though Ikonic will have to navigate both predictable and unforeseen changes across the next 12 years.

“It would be lovely to do it quicker. But if it takes longer, then so be it.”

Carbon neutrality

The organisation has already achieved carbon neutrality in 2024.

Using 2021 as its base reporting year, Ikonic’s CO2 emissions per employee have decreased by 6.2 per cent and by 5.8 per cent per £1m of turnover up to the year-end of 2023.

As per June 2024, it had planted more than 20,000 trees as part of the Eden Reforestation Project in Madagascar, a scheme that works with local villagers to plant mangrove trees.

Circular economy

The firm also considers circularity a core part of its plans.

“When you look at the amount of water, carbon, and precious metals involved in the creation of new products, the value of refurbishing to a high standard is huge. It’s a no-brainer,” Perry tells CRN.

“Certain situations need brand-new products. But many customers are happy with refurbished products at the quality levels we deliver, extending product life.”

According to the company’s boss, refurbishing is done in the UK, as Ikonic does not ship products to “far-flung countries with questionable labour practices.”

This approach, which focuses on transparency and locality, tends to attract customers, he adds.

“It’s at the core of what we do.

“It also strengthens revenue streams and margin mix.

“Margins are under pressure across the industry. Having different revenue streams with different margin structures increases business resilience.”

Interested in Sustainability? Secure your tickets for CRN's Sustainability in Tech Summit & Awards, taking place in London on 11 February. Find out more here.