Since stepping into my role as CEO of Fairphone a few weeks ago, I’ve been both inspired and amazed by the impact we’ve made in the electronics industry. When Fairphone started, sustainability in the supply chain was barely a consideration. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear the conversation has come a long way—Fairphone has helped spark that shift. But what surprises me most is how much work there is still left to do.
Despite all the talk of sustainability, the core of our industry hasn’t really changed. The push for the latest phone still dominates, and we, as consumers, continue to fall for it—even when our current devices are working just fine. It’s astonishing to think that almost 1.5 billion mobile phones are sold worldwide each year, and they last on average only three years. Even more shocking is that only 15% of these phones are collected for recycling, fueling the ever-growing e-waste crisis.
What I’ve come to realize is that this disposable mindset—this “make-use-dispose” cycle—is deeply ingrained. It’s driven by outdated business models that prioritize short-term gains over long-term impact. But this approach simply isn’t sustainable. Both business wise as well as environmental wise. It’s clear we need a systemic change, one that is not only driven by innovative companies but also supported by stronger legislation that can guide the industry toward more sustainable practices.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s that people want to make better choices—they just need the industry to give them those options. Look at what’s happening in fashion; the awareness around the harm of fast fashion is growing, and consumers are demanding change. We’ve shown that it’s possible to create longer-lasting, repairable, and fairer tech, but the rest of the industry needs to follow. Let’s rethink the way we approach technology—for the sake of our planet and future generations.
#SustainableElectronics #Fairphone #EwasteCrisis #RethinkTech #ResponsibleInnovation #CircularEconomy #BetterChoices #TechForGood
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