Quem faz, faz acontecer Quem faz, faz acontecer

On behalf of the Planet

Circular Economy

Increase the circularity of our operations, products and services

Our approach
In a sector where technological progress is constant, it is particularly important to apply circularity principles that maximise the value of materials and products through reuse and recycling across our value chain.

Our commitment to circularity covers not only the consumption of materials and the generation of waste in our own operations, but also the use of our products and services, especially the equipment we provide to our customers in both fixed and mobile segments.




Areas of action

Stores


Dematerialisation of contractual documents and communication materials

In our retail network, contracting processes are already digital. In 2023, we reinforced measures to reduce paper consumption through employee training and the streamlining of acquisition processes. We also significantly reduced the production of paper leaflets for in-store distribution.

Cinemas

Digitalisation of ticketing

In 2023, 47% of tickets were sold through digital channels, an increase of 9 p.p. compared to the previous year and 30 p.p. compared to 2019.

Logistics Operations

Redesign of processes and packaging; Replacement with sustainable materials

In logistics operations, we continue to redefine shipping processes, both internal and external, reducing the quantities of material used and replacing them with versions certified as sustainably sourced and/or recycled.

Network


Internal reuse of components

All equipment removed from our network is assessed: some is reintroduced into operations after refurbishment or reused internally as spare parts; legacy equipment, with older technologies and greater potential for reuse in other networks, is sold on secondary markets; remaining equipment is sent for recycling.

Sale in secondary markets

In 2023, more than 27,000 network components were resold for reuse, avoiding the use of energy resources and materials required for the production of new equipment and/or components.

 

Fixed Services


Recovery, refurbishment and reintroduction to the market

For customer equipment, the new UMA TV boxes were designed to use the minimum amount of material, incorporating 61% less plastic than the previous version. In November 2020, we launched our first self-installation kit, in which sustainable packaging materials and the elimination of single-use plastics enabled NOS customers to install their own service without the need for a technician visit.

Reduction of incorporated material

We collect and reintroduce into the market equipment used in fixed services (TV boxes, routers), avoiding additional consumption of raw materials and energy, while increasing the levels of circularity in our processes. In 2020, we reintroduced more than 479,000 units.

 

Mobile Services

Take-back of used equipment; sale of refurbished devices

We were the first operator in Portugal to make refurbished Apple smartphones available, with warranty, promoting reuse and reducing e-waste. Learn more [here].

We have implemented selective collection systems that, since 2015, have ensured that over 90% of the waste generated in our operations is sent for recycling or energy recovery.

Buildings and Backoffice

Recovery, refurbishment and reintroduction to the market

We installed containers for selective waste collection in our backoffice buildings and replaced single-use coffee cups with reusable alternatives, achieving an 18% reduction in plastic consumption.

NOS’s circularity programme actively contributes to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill by promoting the reuse, refurbishment and recycling of technological equipment, such as routers, boxes and smartphones, ensuring they are given a second life whenever possible. This approach not only helps minimise waste, but also reduces the environmental impact associated with the extraction of new resources and the disposal of waste in landfill, promoting a more efficient and sustainable economy.

We prioritise the waste management hierarchy, favouring reuse, recycling and energy recovery over landfill disposal. We also develop partnerships with specialised operators and invest in technologies that maximise material recovery, including industrial symbiosis initiatives that create closed loops for resources.

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