Ecosystem’s success story: Reinventing waste management with XCargo
Ecosystem, a non-profit eco-organization accredited by public authorities, has been leading efforts to extend the lifecycle of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) through repair, reuse, repurposing, and recycling. As the waste management sector undergoes significant changes and growth across all areas, Ecosystem continues to adapt and innovate to meet new challenges. By leveraging Siemens Digital Logistics’ XCargo software, the organization has optimized its logistics operations to keep pace with increasing demands and complexities.
The challenge: Managing an expanding network
Ecosystem operates an extensive network, collecting over 550,000 tons of waste annually from approximately 25,000 collection points, including recycling centers, stores, and installers. These materials are then routed to transit hubs and recycling centers across metropolitan France and neighboring countries. The organization has also seen significant growth in reuse activities and expanded its scope to include new waste categories like lamps (since 2018) and batteries (in 2025).
This dynamic environment required Ecosystem to continuously adapt its network to handle increasing volumes while optimizing costs. The complexity of managing such a vast network necessitated a comprehensive tool to redesign their logistics master plan and support industrial tenders and projects effectively.
The solution: XCargo by Siemens Digital Logistics
Since 2020, Ecosystem has relied on XCargo as a key enabler for its logistics operations. Integrated as an add-in for Microsoft Excel®, XCargo provides advanced functionalities for geocoding, route calculations, carbon footprint analysis, and network optimization. Its built-in mapping capabilities allow Ecosystem to visualize and model their logistics network efficiently.
XCargo’s flexibility enables Ecosystem to simulate various scenarios, such as forecasting growth impacts or optimizing transit center locations. This ensures the organization can make data-driven decisions that align with their strategic goals.
Xcargo has been a great help in modeling and optimizing our network. Initially used only for a one-time redesign of our logistics master plan, we ended up keeping it, and it has proven to be a real asset in our day-to-day decision-making whenever we need to simulate complex models with multiple parameters, both logistical and industrial.
Guillaume Richomme – Supply Chain Manager, ecosystem
The results: Optimized network and sustainable growth
Using XCargo’s powerful modeling tools, Ecosystem achieved several key outcomes:
- Optimized Transit Network: The software helped design an optimal layout for over 100 transit centers across France, defining their respective service zones to streamline tender preparation processes.
- Growth Forecasting: Ecosystem simulated five-year growth impacts on recycling plant capacities, enabling targeted industrial investments.
- Operational Efficiency: Daily tasks like geocoding, distance calculations, and load planning for recycling plants became significantly faster and more accurate.
- Cost Stability: Despite an increase in collection points and transit volumes, Ecosystem maintained stable costs through network optimization.
About Ecosystem
Ecosystem is a private, non-profit eco-organization recognized as being of public interest and approved by public authorities. They are committed to extending the lifespan of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) by supporting repair and reuse initiatives, and by ensuring their safe decontamination and recycling at end-of-life. Ecosysteme manages both household and professional EEE, as well as lamps and batteries. As a purpose-driven company, their mission is to protect the environment, preserve natural resources, and safeguard public health.
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