FedEx: Demonstrating Leadership in Circular Procurement

FedEx has highlighted its work to make electronic waste (e-waste) more circular through a new collection pilot.

Running from its supply chain facility outside Nashville, Tennessee, the pilot has helped lay the groundwork for ongoing e-waste collection across Middle Tennessee and the wider southeast US.

Tackling the global e-waste crisis through innovation

Supported thanks to funding from FedEx Cares, the e-waste pilot was undertaken by FedEx Supply Chain and Pyxera Global.

It sought to discover how logistics firms can help 'close the loop' when it comes to electronic materials, which are often destined to end up in landfills.

Statistics from the 2022 Global E-Waste Monitor showed that 63.4 million tonnes (62 billion kg) of electronic waste were generated worldwide – yet only 22.3% of that material was recycled.

Items such as laptops, mobile phones, tablets and servers have critical minerals which are highly sought after in efforts to produce new goods and must be mined if they are not sourced through recycling efforts.

Award-winning approach to circular logistics

FedEx's programme was celebrated by the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, which awarded the pilot its 2025 Leadership Award in the Circular Economy category.

The council highlighted how FedEx, Pyxera Global and other collaborators had piloted a circular logistics approach to reuse, repair and responsibly recycle e-waste, resulting in concrete recommendations to guide future efforts.

Scott Temple, President at FedEx Supply Chain, says: "I'm proud of the FedEx Supply Chain team's work every day to support our customers and communities in keeping valuable resources, like e-waste, out of landfills.

"This recognition by the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council demonstrates how circular logistics is more than just a business strategy – it's an innovative way supply chains can help conserve valuable resources, strengthen local enterprises and build a more sustainable future."

Building a network for critical mineral recovery

Pyxera Global has gone on to launch the Circular Supply Chain Coalition to recover and reuse the critical minerals found in e-waste in key regions in the US.

FedEx Cares also provided additional funding to unlock place-based demonstration hubs in the Southeast and Rocky Mountains while building a global network aligned to the mission of reducing electronic waste and accelerating remanufacturing.

"We could not be more thrilled that FedEx has received the recognition they deserve for supporting such an impactful and meaningful project," adds John Holm, SVP Partnerships at Pyxera Global and the lead convener of the CSCC.

"The Circular Supply Chain Coalition's mission is to support and scale local critical mineral procurement and remanufacturing across North America and beyond, and SPLC's validation of our work provides us the necessary momentum to be the go-to resource for local critical mineral procurement."

Improving waste diversion

FedEx Supply Chain provides warehousing, fulfilment and reverse logistics for its customers in retail, healthcare, automotive and beyond, processing more than 475 million returns annually.

Serving around 300 facilities with a 98.62% landfill diversion rate, its recycling programme is helping to improve waste diversion for many customers while lowering their carbon footprint.

Marc Heisterkamp, CEO at SPLC, adds: "SPLC is delighted to acknowledge FedEx and its continued leadership in the field of sustainable procurement.

"Reverse logistics is an increasingly important part of the procurement life cycle. This successful demonstration by FedEx and its collaborators creates a clear playbook for the scaling of similar e-waste collection and recycling projects beyond middle Tennessee."