Did you know that sustainable and recyclable smartphones are a reality? Fairphone is the first mobile phone that can be repaired in every part. Fairphone is an electronic company based in Amsterdam that wants to revolutionize the mobile phone industry. Founded in 2013, it produces smartphones and accessories with ethical and sustainable materials. Its next goal is to zero CO2 emissions by 2045.
The mobile sector has a strong environmental and social impact. The materials used to build our smartphones are often polluting and come from unethical supply chains, which exploit cheap labor in poorer countries. In 2022 alone, new smartphones generated 146 million tons of CO2. And most of the lithium used for batteries comes from Congo, where about 40,000 minors work in mines. Fairphone uses recycled materials wherever possible and relies on suppliers operating in compliance with workers’ rights and environmental protection laws. Its production departments follow the same rules.
Another problem with smartphones is that of disposal. Almost 50 million tons of electronic waste are produced every year. More than 6 kilos per person on the planet. That’s why Fairphone decided to promote circularity. Everyone can disassemble and replace the different smartphones components thanks to the spare parts and instructions provided by the company. And, when you decide to but a new phone, you can send the old one to Fairphone, which recycles it and releases a coupon. Even if it’s from another brand. 40% of mobile phones can have a new life and 60% is safely retrained.
Considering that there are more mobile phones than people on the planet, sustainable and recyclable smartphones could make a difference!
