At Akamai, we’re taking steps to reduce our reliance on plastic across our value chain. This initiative is part of our broader sustainability strategy to minimize environmental impact, especially at the end of our hardware’s useful life. By identifying and analyzing the points across the lifecycle where plastics are used, we are better equipped to reduce, replace, or recycle these materials.

Although the use of plastics is crucial in Akamai’s server and infrastructure deployments and data center operations, we are dedicated to exploring and incorporating sustainable practices and the use of alternatives when possible. Our direct control over the use of plastics in our operations is currently limited and mainly contingent on the manufacturing processes of the hardware and devices we employ. We continue to align on reducing our environmental footprint as viable mainstream alternatives continue to emerge.

It is also essential to note that Akamai does not directly manufacture products with plastics for consumer use. All of our services are virtual, providing much less plastic for direct consumer use, specifically in the security and network device appliance space.

Scope of Engagement

Our engagement in reducing plastics use includes:

Supplier Influence

At Akamai, we actively collaborate with our suppliers to reduce plastic waste, especially single-use plastics. We have optimized the packaging for our hardware, using materials other than plastics, such as recycled cardboard for padding, to minimize plastic use while ensuring the safe transport of our servers and hardware to their destinations.

In areas where Akamai can influence the use of plastic, we are working to implement sustainable practices that reduce plastic consumption where possible. Most plastic reduction efforts pertain to the suppliers of the products we procure and how we handle e-waste at the end of a product’s useful life.

Our priority to work with suppliers and recycling 100% of our e-waste at the end of its helpful life demonstrates our responsible approach to waste and plastics management. We adhere to the e-Stewards Standard, which is globally recognized as the most rigorous for e-waste recycling. This approach ensures that our e-waste is handled responsibly, focusing on protecting human health and the environment. By adhering to the e-Stewards Standard, Akamai ensures that our e-waste recycling processes, including the processes directly related to the recycling of plastics, are ethical and environmentally sound.

To learn more about plastic commitments, check out our Plastics Policy.