BNP Paribas Advances Circular Economy with IT-as-a-Service

agosto 5, 2025

8:27 am

Key Impact Points:

BNP Paribas integrates circular economy principles into IT lifecycle management, cutting e-waste and boosting ESG compliance.
Product-as-a-Service model reduces raw material demand, optimises utilisation, and ensures responsible recycling.
Biodiversity-focused finance supports AI-driven ecosystem monitoring and investments in nature-positive projects.

Circular IT to Cut E-Waste

BNP Paribas 3 Step IT has introduced an IT-as-a-Service (ITaaS) model embedding circular economy principles into every stage of the IT lifecycle. Businesses lease laptops, desktops, and mobile devices with full asset management — avoiding upfront costs while ensuring secure ISO-compliant data wiping, refurbishment, and responsible recycling at facilities like Buchelay in France.

“For European businesses, the horizon for growth and resilience is undeniably centred around circularity,” said Carmen Ene, CEO. “This isn’t just a hopeful trend; it’s a strategic imperative with a clear direction. Legislative frameworks are rapidly evolving to support this shift, showing that building a sustainable future no longer requires sacrificing profitability; it actually strengthens it.”

Scaling Product-as-a-Service

The bank promotes Product-as-a-Service (PaaS), where companies pay for outcomes rather than full ownership, and manufacturers retain lifecycle responsibility. This model is particularly powerful in the IT sector, where manufacturing is carbon-intensive and product lifespans are short.

Global e-waste surged to 62 million tonnes in 2022 — up 82% since 2010 — representing a US$62 billion loss in recoverable resources, according to the UN Global E-waste Monitor.

“The circular economy is key to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2050,” said Emmanuelle Bru, Group ESG Expert Circular Economy at BNP Paribas. “Not only does it have a positive impact on the environment, but it can also bring economic and social benefits.”

Legislation and Collaboration

Governments in the EU, US, and China are advancing legislation to make circular practices standard. BNP Paribas is backing this shift with targeted financing, including ETFs and impact bonds that drive circular innovation across industries.

With IT spending forecast to hit US$5 trillion by 2024 and ESG compliance expectations rising, circular business models offer a competitive and environmental advantage.

Investing in Nature Tech

BNP Paribas is expanding into ‘Nature Tech’, applying AI, drones, sensors, and satellites to monitor biodiversity and protect ecosystems. The bank incorporates biodiversity criteria into financing policies, especially in sectors tied to deforestation and habitat loss such as agriculture and mining.

It also funds biodiversity risk research and invests in start-ups leading ecological transitions — reinforcing its commitment to climate, biodiversity, and sustainable finance.