The demand for new and more powerful network equipment and new collaboration tools continues to drive strong growth in Cisco’s business. With more than 28 million networking devices shipped in FY08, a key element of our commitment to a socially responsible supply chain is the reduction of the environmental impact of our products. That means working to lower the toxicity of the materials used in the products’ manufacture, the energy consumed during their useful lives, and the waste they produce when they reach end of life.
Enhancing sustainability across our product line is no small undertaking. Cisco markets almost 200 product families that require more than 35,000 component parts. We outsource manufacturing through more than 600 supply partners, making our supply chain one of the most complex in the industry. During FY08, Cisco established the Sustainability Science Center, an internal organization that provides a focal point for designing for the environment and intelligent power management in our products.
Cisco’s supply chain strategy aims to influence efficiencies and innovation across the supply chain and provide sustainable solutions for our customers. It also aims to positively impact how the virtual supply chain operates, motivating our suppliers to take action.
Our initiatives in the areas of product and supply chain management include:
