More than two hundred million smartphones are sold annually in Europe, a market dominated by Apple, Samsung and Huawei. These companies determine how durable our devices are and how easy - or hard - they are to repair. Phones often fail faster than they should, yet we rarely get them fixed, while consumers are simultaneously lured by the latest technological advances. The repair industry could play an important role here, and could create local jobs into the bargain. The problems that most often need fixing are a broken screen or battery; if we repaired these systematically, we would immediately extend the lifetime of these devices - and of all the resources they contain.
Much of the material in a smartphone is not recycled at all today. On top of that, producing an average smartphone emits more than 60 kg of CO2 equivalent. Relying more on repairs, and using a good phone case and screen protector, already goes a long way. If every European kept their phone just one year longer than now, we would emit 2.1 megatonnes less CO2 annually by 2030 - equivalent to taking a million cars off the road. With an average device price of €530, European consumers could annually redirect an estimated €28 billion towards more sustainable choices, while creating more local jobs.
In the coming months, Louis will publish a series of articles on the overconsumption of consumer electronics and its effects on the environment, the climate and our wallets. Alongside smartphones, products such as laptops, fridges and washing machines will also be examined. The research draws on input and interviews with academics, electronics manufacturers, NGOs, policymakers and industry representatives.
Photo © Louis Lammertyn
