How can the UK tech industry insulate itself from economic uncertainty?

The tech industry can insulate itself from domestic and global uncertainty using cost-effective recyclable components, according to a UK company tackling the scourge of disposable electronics.

Some economic experts have predicted that corporation tax, business rates, and fuel duty will rise when the Autumn Budget is announced because the Labour government pledged not to raise income tax, National Insurance contributions, or VAT.

The forecasted tax hikes will prove difficult for businesses to absorb in the face of an already challenging economic environment, but OEMs can insulate themselves from instability by embracing a ‘reuse, repair, recycle’ philosophy when designing products, claims UK electronics pioneer In2tec, which has developed technologies to revolutionise recyclability in the electronics sector.

Emma Armstrong, In2tec’s Sustainable Electronics Ambassador and Group Commercial Director, said: “The cost of raw materials and components is already, at best, unpredictable and may add to the tax burden faced by our industry, particularly organisations in the aerospace, defence, and automotive sectors.

“But using products designed to be disassembled allows components to be easily replaced and recycled, and pivoting to a circular economy will reduce reliance on imported materials and ensure secure supply chains are less vulnerable to an increasingly unstable world.”

In2tec offers both manufacturers and recyclers additional revenue opportunities through the reuse and resale of valid operational components – turning what was once a cost into an asset – while allowing savings on virgin material costs.

Less than one-quarter of 2022’s ewaste mass was formally documented and collected. This means US$62bn worth of recoverable natural resources is unaccounted for. 

Emma adds: “Sustainable and modular technology both reduces the environmental, economic, and health impact of ewaste and enhances the bottom line, to say nothing of future-proofing manufacturers against looming legislation that incentivises the recycling, reuse, and repair of electronics.”