US-based computer manufacturer Dell has said it is making fast progress on its closed-loop plastics recycling goals.
For the year ended 31 January, Dell's closed-loop programme processed 3.4 million pounds (1.5 million kg) of recycled plastics from old electronics for reuse in desktops and displays, according to its latest Legacy of Good sustainability report.
In addition, Dell recycled 170,000 pounds (77,000 kg) of carbon fibre for laptops and 10.7 million pounds (4.8 million kg) of plastics from water bottles, CD cases and other sources, which were used to make desktops and displays.
“We set out years ago to do what is good for customers, the environment and the community,” said David Lear, Dell's executive director of corporate sustainability.
The firm released the update this week, outlining its progress toward meeting 21 corporate sustainable goals by 2020.
Dell began a pilot phase of the closed-loop recycling project with a limited number of products in April 2014.
Currently, Dell limits its closed-loop programme to recycling the plastic content in 48 products, but it is exploring an expansion of materials to include precious metals such as gold.
Dell used 14.1 million pounds (6.4 million kg) of recycled plastics in its products during the 12 months, a 20.5% increase from the previous year's 11.7 million pounds (5.3 million kg).
In 2013, Dell committed to putting a total of 50 million pounds (22.7 million kg) of sustainable materials back into its products by 2020. So far, Dell has reused 36.2 million pounds (16.4 million kg) over three years.
Privately-owned Dell ranked third globally with shipment of 10.2 million personal computers for the fourth quarter ended 31 December, according to technology analyst Gartner.