2.13

The Smartphone: Long-lasting Communication

Our next case study examines the complex lifecycle of the modern smartphone, from its rapid historical emergence to its profound societal and ecological impact. We will focus on the design principles, material choices, and legislative changes required to transition this ubiquitous communication tool from a linear, disposable product into a genuinely long-lasting, circular component of the digital economy.

The modern smartphone emerged rapidly in the late 2000s, quickly transforming communication, commerce, and human interaction globally. Within two decades, it evolved from a luxury gadget into an essential device for billions. This pervasive presence has, however, come at a high environmental and social cost. The current production model demands vast quantities of over 50 different elements, including rare earth metals and precious metals like gold and palladium. The complexity of these devices makes material reclamation difficult at best. Furthermore, a business model centered on planned obsolescence and short upgrade cycles has created one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams: e-waste. This waste stream is not only massive but also highly toxic and represents a significant loss of valuable resources.

The Fairphone

Fairphone’s business model is centered on longevity and circularity, directly opposing planned obsolescence. The strategy focuses on five core areas: modular design for easy repair and upgrades, sourcing Fairtrade and recycled materials, implementing living wage bonuses for factory workers, achieving e-waste neutrality through take-back programs, and setting a goal for Net Zero emissions by 2045. This comprehensive approach aims to maximize positive social and environmental impacts. The video below summarizes Fairphone’s history, mission, and impact areas.

It should be noted that other smartphone companies also have ambitious sustainability goals and standards, but it’s hard to assess how much of what is communicated actually is translated into much needed changes. It’s only when the same critical analysis is applied to all producers, including Fairphone, that truly circular and sustainable business practices can be implemented.

Blueprint for a Circular Smartphone Ecosystem

The primary challenge in creating a circular smartphone is moving beyond end-of-pipe recycling solutions (R-Recycle) and implementing strategies higher up the circular hierarchy, such as designing for repair, reuse, and remanufacturing. A genuinely long-lasting device must be conceived from the ground up with the product’s entire future in mind:

Policy Mandates (The Right to Repair): Enact legislation requiring manufacturers to provide spare parts and manuals for a minimum of seven years.
Design for Longevity: Prioritize modularity and repairability (similar to Fairphone) over slim aesthetics or hermetically sealed designs.
Business Model Innovation: Promote ‘Product as a Service’ models where the manufacturer retains ownership and responsibility for device maintenance and end-of-life recovery.
Material Loops: Invest in high-efficiency, domestic e-waste processing and actively integrate ethically sourced and recycled materials into new production.
Consumer Empowerment: Provide clear repair scores and education to encourage users to value and maintain their devices for longer periods.

Further reading, learning and references

Repair.eu – The European Right to Repair Campaign https://repair.eu/

Fraunhofer IZM – Life Cycle Assessment of the Fairphone 5 https://www.fairphone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Fairphone5_LCA_Report_2024.pdf

Gibbs, S. (2023). Sustainable smartphones calling? The eco-friendly new design rules to extend the life of your handset. The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/15/sustainable-smartphones-calling-the-eco-friendly-new-design-rules-to-extend-the-life-of-your-handset

Dayaram, S. (2022). How Green Is Apple? A Closer Look at the iPhone-Maker’s Sustainability Credentials . CNet. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/how-green-is-apple-a-closer-look-at-the-iphone-makers-sustainability-credentials/

© Daniel Mossberg, CEMUS, Uppsala University and Sonali Phadke, studio Alternatives and Stephanie Foote