Better Health for All

Ericsson's remote patient monitoring solution, launched in 2012,

utilizes a cloud-based system with a secure portal for data access. Additionally, the company's healthcare connectivity solutions emphasize data security and privacy, offering secure remote access and data breach protection. However, the provided articles do not offer specific, quantifiable data to assess the company's overall health impact, revenue from potentially harmful products, safety record, pricing accessibility, reach to vulnerable populations, investment in health innovation, or the extent of its preventative health measures. Similarly, there is no specific data on health externalities, health equity programs, healthcare workforce support, or mental health initiatives.

Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing

Ericsson reported zero major findings related to under-age labor, forced labor, or modern slavery during audits in 2023, and no cases were reported via their compliance line in 2023.

However, 79 findings related to a lack of or insufficient written policies and procedures prohibiting forced labor were identified across 24 different suppliers in 2023. Action plans are signed by suppliers immediately after an audit, and progress is monitored, with most corrective actions closed within 120-180 days. The Code of Conduct requirements form part of Ericsson’s supplier contracts, and 85% of contracts carry robust, enforceable ethical clauses. Ericsson uses the RMI Minerals Reporting Template to identify smelters, refiners, and mines in their supply chain and assesses them against RMI’s certification, with approximately 20% of spend on high-risk materials under comprehensive mitigation.

Honest & Fair Business

Ericsson has an ESG controversy index score of 0.6, which is significantly lower than the category average of 2.0, indicating a better-than-median performance.

The company's anti-corruption compliance program was certified as meeting requirements and functioning effectively by an independent monitor appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on March 28, 2024. This monitorship, which began in June 2020 and concluded on June 2, 2024, was established following a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) in 2019 to resolve historical violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The independent monitor's certification of the anti-corruption program also serves as third-party verification of ethical claims and compliance.

Kind to Animals

Ericsson's 'Connected Mangroves' project in Malaysia and the Philippines has increased mangrove survival rates by up to 90 percent.

A collaboration with the City of Sundbyberg has led to enhanced woodland biodiversity, with purple-edged copper butterflies seen in increasing numbers, and branch pile collections becoming nesting sites for birds and breeding grounds for microlepidoptera. Ericsson has pledged to 1t.org to support its goal to conserve, restore, and grow one trillion trees by 2030. The company participates in industry forums and contributes to collaborative research, such as the Exponential Climate Action Roadmap and the 1.5°C Business Playbook, but these are primarily focused on climate action and sustainability rather than specific animal-free R&D or animal welfare standards. Ericsson's core business as a telecommunications company means many animal welfare KPIs are not applicable.

Planet-Friendly Business

Ericsson's second round of climate targets toward Net Zero have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and its previous 1.5°C-aligned targets for 2016-2022 were met and surpassed.

The company has a Net Zero target across its value chain by the end of 2040, with a commitment to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 50% by the end of 2030 from a 2020 base year. Ericsson's Product Take-back program achieved a recycling rate of over 98% during network modernization, with less than 2% going to landfill. However, for its subsidiary Ericsson Nikola Tesla, 100% of eligible capital expenditures were not aligned with the EU Taxonomy in 2024. The company collaborates on biodiversity restoration in the Igelbäcken nature reserve in Sweden, with employee involvement in activities like removing invasive species and monitoring red-listed species, demonstrating clear ecological impact including the resurgence of quaking grass and increased purple-edged copper butterflies.

Zero Waste & Sustainable Products

Ericsson's Product Take-Back Program, established in 2005

and available in 180 countries , recycles more than 98% of materials. Products are designed for recyclability, achieving over 90% recyclability in recent years. New packaging for Remote Radio products uses 99% fiber-based materials , is fully recyclable , and reduces total plastic content from 20% to less than 1%. This new packaging also reduces packaging size by 15-20% compared to conventional plastic inserts. Ericsson aims to achieve Net Zero across its value chain by 2040 and cut supply chain emissions by 50% by 2030. The company offers repair services to prolong product life and designs products to be easy to repair and built to last. Ericsson has had no waste disposal violations in the past three years. Recyclers in the take-back program are third-party audited to ISO and R2 standards and are part of Ericsson's Code of Conduct and Responsible Sourcing program. Ericsson Connected Recycling (ECR) is a SaaS platform for waste traceability and monetization , with initial pilots showing a 40% reduction in waste volumes for a major retailer.