Navigating Towards a Circular Tech Economy.

The latest gadgets. The latest e-waste. Time to navigate towards a circular tech economy?

Walk into any electronics or mobile store, and you’ll face endless aisles glittering with the latest gadgets - each touting shiny new features like better cameras, faster processors, 5G capability, or AI-powered personalisation that promise to improve our digital lives. Our insatiable thirst for the cutting edge fuels a breakneck pace of consumer tech upgrades.

The Cost of Tech Upgrades

However, this cycle of rapid innovation and planned obsolescence incurs a real-world cost - 61 million metric tons of global e-waste forecasted to have been generated just in 2023 alone. That’s nearly 8kg per person of discarded phones, laptops, tablets, wearables, accessories, and related electronic waste worldwide.

And as the next waves of sleek devices get unveiled at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this month, the global e-waste grows further – expected to reach over 120 million tons per year by 2050 if current trends continue. On average, smartphones now get tossed into that ‘junk drawer’ in circa three years in the relentless pursuit of newer and flashier models with hyped incremental gains.

Consumer Attitudes – Are These Out of Step?

But what’s the full cost of this consumer tech churn? It extends far beyond budgets and bank accounts, with most shoppers unaware of the ethical impacts linked to their upgrades.

In my recent poll, only 46% said they would buy refurbished electronics to cut back on e-waste. 34% still want shiny new gadgets right out of the box, while 20% said it would depend on warranty support and return policies. A mere 0% expressed interest in leasing or subscription models that could curb unnecessary upgrades.

As consumer tech veteran Tim Beere points out regarding his own decisions around upgrading, "I've used the Apple Refurb Programme on a couple of occasions in the past, and it's been very good. I've received a used device that is just as good as new and saved a few quid in the process. I hate to admit, cutting e-waste was not a primary purchase decision, but it's a happy outcome. "

Tim’s example is a good one and reflects the behaviour of most consumers, and this despite Tim working in the industry directly on this topic and being active and passionate about the environment – he is an advisor to The Forest Conservation Fund, so he arguably is doing his bit to help the planet. Tim’s honesty shows it’s a very real dichotomy and for the industry, a tough nut to crack, not least with the costs and practicalities that surround recycling many products back into the supply chain.

For many buyers, affordability, and pricing still override wider sustainability factors in buying decisions - sustainability is certainly important, but often not the primary purchase driver, but can certainly play a secondary role in helping make a purchase decision at the point of sale. Cost-benefit analyses dominate most households' gadget decisions - not abstract notions of e-waste piles building up on foreign shores far from view.

Flipping the script toward circularity: Embracing longevity, repair and responsible end of life management

The narrative of our current consumption habits is one of disposability. We buy, use, and discard, generating mountains of electronic waste that harm the environment and strain resources. But amidst this linear model, is a revolution brewing – a shift towards circularity, where products are designed for longevity, repair, and responsible end-of-life management? Pioneering companies like Fairphone, refurbed, rebuy and iFixit are leading the charge, and TerraCycle is another key player in this exciting transformation.

• Fairphone's modular smartphones exemplify the circular design philosophy. Their devices are built to be easily disassembled, allowing users to swap out components like batteries or cameras instead of replacing the entire phone. This extends the lifespan of the device, reduces e-waste, and empowers users with more control over their technology.
• iFixit's contribution lies in democratising repair. Their free repair manuals and parts sourcing empower individuals to fix their own electronics, from smartphones to appliances. This not only saves money but also combats the planned obsolescence that often shortens product lifespans.
• TerraCycle takes circularity a step further by tackling traditionally non-recyclable waste. They partner with brands and organisations to collect and upcycle a wide range of materials, including electronics, that would otherwise end up in landfills. Their innovative recycling solutions, like the "Loop" program for refillable packaging, are fostering a shift towards a closed-loop system where resources are kept in circulation.

These are just a few examples of the many companies flipping the script on our throwaway culture. The circular economy offers a win-win scenario: it benefits the environment by reducing waste and resource extraction, while also creating economic opportunities through innovative business models and job creation in the repair and refurbishment sectors.

Collective responsibility is required.

As consumers, we have the power to drive this change. By choosing products designed for longevity and repair, supporting companies with circular practices, and participating in responsible recycling programs, we can rewrite the narrative and build a more sustainable future for electronics and beyond.

Remember, every action counts. The next time you reach for a new gadget, consider a pre-owned option or a brand committed to circularity. By making informed choices and supporting these innovative companies, we can collectively flip the script and embrace a future where products are cherished, repaired, and ultimately, reborn.

We just have to want to build it.

Seeking Sustainable Leadership

The pace of change shows no signs of slowing, but the right leadership can guide companies ethically.

For consumer tech and mobile firms seeking to lead this charge, I'm happy to leverage my industry network and executive search expertise to help you find the right talent focused on brand values and conscious innovation.

Let's connect on building a more sustainable tech future.

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