Broadband Device Plastic Reductions
Zyxel and Openreach Partner to Reduce Plastic Waste
Kanesa D — April 8, 2026
Zyxel Communications is rolling out a new line of Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) featuring redesigned casings made from 95% recycled plastic, advancing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of broadband infrastructure. The devices, which convert fibre signals for in-home use, are already being deployed at scale, with Openreach reporting hundreds of thousands of installations as demand for full-fibre connectivity grows.
The updated GPON2 units incorporate recycled materials across both the product and its packaging, which is fully plastic-free and made from recycled inputs.
Developed in collaboration with Openreach and manufacturing partners, the casings are produced using recycled polycarbonate sourced from a range of post-consumer and industrial applications, including electronics, medical equipment and automotive components.
“As Openreach continues to expand its fibre network across the UK, speed, reliability, security and sustainability are all important factors," said James Harris, Head of EMEA at Zyxel Communications.
