Enabling Circularity | SLB

Enabling circularity

We align with evolving consumer expectations and regulatory trends, working to position our organization as a responsible steward of resources.

Damman facility 104
Circularity is about efficient resource management in a holistic way
Our circular practices aim to minimize waste, maximize the lifespan of products, and prioritize the efficient use of resources throughout the entire lifecycle. By embracing circularity, SLB contributes to reducing environmental footprint, conserving valuable resources, and mitigating the negative impacts associated with traditional linear production and consumption models.

At SLB, we have designed our circularity approach in a holistic transformation across several functions in the organization, including Supply Chain, Technology Development & Delivery, and Technology Lifecycle Management.
Enabling Circularity infographic
Enabling circularity in SLB

Unlocking the potential of our circularity network through a "5R" framework

Enabling circularity in our organization, when utilizing finite materials, is imperative as it allows us to extract maximum value from limited resources at our disposal, mitigating the environmental impact associated with their extraction and disposal. Adopting circularity fosters resilience by reducing dependence on virgin materials. At SLB, we have developed a "5R” framework: reduce, reuse, refurbish, remanufacture and recycle.

The 5”R” framework: reduce, reuse, refurbish, remanufacture and recycle.
Reduce

Design or redesign an asset, product, or process to consume less and be resource efficient.

The expanded adoption of digital-based maintenance tasks such as tool system health analyzers, sensor-based non-destructive inspection, and machine learning visual inspection have extended equipment life, reduced transportation-related emissions, increased the use of recycled material, and avoided CO2e emissions.

Additionally, hardware upgrades for performance and reliability, sensor calibrations, and vessel recertifications have reduced transportation-related emissions.

Reuse

Use or redistribute an asset or product for its original intended purpose or functionality.

By scaling up asset salvage and component re-use programs, digitizing the capture of re-usable equipment inventory, and re-designing procurement workflows, we are improving asset and slow moving inventory re-distribution, re-injecting materials into product lifecycles, and avoiding CO2e emissions.

Refurbish

Restore or recondition an asset or product for a new use case, maintaining its original intended functionality or modernizing it to meet current needs.

The expanded adoption of restorative techniques of critical and high value assets, such as additive manufacturing, coatings and laser cladding for mechanical parts, and component refurbishment for electronics boards has enabled the restoration of components to “like-new” condition.

Repurpose

Repurpose a product to serve a different function than originally intended.

By qualifying new resizing opportunities for flowlines, pump housings, and other components, we have contributed to circularity by reintroducing resized components into value chains.

Recycle

Reclaim material at the end of life to reduce landfill waste and the consumption of virgin materials.

By scaling specialized recycling initiatives, focusing on chemicals, strategic metals, and critical minerals “technical nutrients”, we have increased the use of recycled materials, reduced critical mineral loss to landfill, and avoided CO2e emissions.

By strengthening programs through leasing and buyback agreements for end-of-life equipment, we have enabled the reuse of key materials from end-of-life equipment, contributing to circularity efforts.

An SLB operator inspecting equipment used in operations, focusing on optimizing reliability, sustainability, and performance

Technology Lifecycle Management (TLM) Circularity Network

This function oversees the acquisition, maintenance, and enrichment of technology and equipment used in operations, focusing on optimizing reliability, sustainability, and performance to meet the evolving needs of our customers. The "5R” framework serves as a starting point to monitor and track improvements in our collective efforts, making circularity not only paramount for sustainability but also for our business impact. Aligning sustainability gains with profitability provides a greater incentive for innovation and expansion. Additionally, we’ve pursued innovation in sustainability challenges by leveraging data insights, machine learning, and video analytics, enhancing efficiency by reducing waste and enabling data-driven decisions for a more significant impact.