Lombard, NatWest Group’s leading asset finance provider in the UK, is joining forces with Rigby Capital and SCC to offer comprehensive technology services that empower businesses to invest in technology, access necessary services, and align with sustainability objectives.
Lombard, the asset finance arm of NatWest Group, is teaming up with Rigby Capital and SCC to introduce an innovative as-a-service solution aimed at diverting over a million electronic devices, including company mobile phones and laptops, from landfills within the next five years. This collaborative effort will provide businesses with an end-to-end technology solution designed to enhance the efficiency of their IT infrastructure while minimising the environmental impact associated with the disposal and replacement of electronic devices.
Electronic waste (e-waste) is currently the world’s fastest-growing waste stream, posing a significant environmental threat. Annually, approximately 50 million tonnes of e-waste are generated globally, with only 20% undergoing proper recycling. If corrective measures are not taken, this volume is projected to more than double by 2050, reaching a staggering 120 million tonnes per year.
By partnering with Rigby Capital and SCC, Lombard aims to simplify the process for businesses seeking to reduce electronic waste and contribute to the circular economy, with SCC committing to a zero-waste-to-landfill policy. Through this groundbreaking collaboration, businesses will gain access to an all-in-one solution that supports them in procuring and implementing the necessary hardware and software, managing essential services, and documenting the recycling and reuse of electronic devices at the end of their lifecycles through established secondary market channels. Furthermore, businesses opting for this as-a-service solution to fulfill their technology needs will benefit from the convenience and flexibility it offers under a single contract.
Ian Isaac, Managing Director of Lombard, commented: “Today’s businesses need to invest in up-to-date tech to achieve sustainable growth, but they are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. That’s why Lombard is supporting a complete solution that enables businesses to access the technology they need to thrive, whilst reducing the wastage involved in the refresh of IT assets. Through this unique collaboration with Rigby Capital and the broader Rigby Group, we can not only help businesses access the technology they need, but also help them to achieve their sustainability goals. Over the next five years we believe that this solution will help to stop at least a million electronic devices like mobile phones and laptops from becoming landfill.”
Simon Everidge, Managing Director of Rigby Capital, added: “We are delighted to support Lombard through our close collaboration, enabling them to help their customers achieve their ESG objectives. IT asset finance is no longer just about funding, it’s about full life cycle management of assets and particularly the management of end-of-life assets. Rigby Capital and the operational capabilities in SCC, with its market-leading IT recycling facilities, can provide complete end-to-end management of IT assets for Lombard and its customers. The circular economy and ESG demands on everyone in the supply chain, including customers, suppliers, funders, asset managers and manufacturers, is only going to intensify in the next five years; we are delighted to collaborate with Lombard and jointly commit to helping support the ESG agenda.”
