Introduction

Fairphone builds a deeper understanding between people and their products, driving conversations about what “fair” really means.

By creating a more sustainable smartphone, we’re demonstrating the endless possibilities for a fairer future – for everyone

Criteria

Carbon Footprint, High

Each Fairphone model undergoes a rigorous Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of the phone’s manufacture, transport, use and disposal.

These assessments make it clear that a smartphone’s primary environmental and climate impact is during the production phase — it accounts for 75% of the Fairphone 4’s carbon footprint, for example.

To reduce negative impact, we need to reduce the number of phones being produced.

Ecological Impact, High

40% of material comes from sustainable sources.

Energy Consumption, Low

Problem assumed but still under analysis.

Freight Density, Medium

Due to the scale of the company, it is difficult to better manage freight density.

Recycling Rates, High

They are moving one step closer to a circular economy by encouraging the reuse and repair of their phones, researching electronics recycling options and reducing electronic waste worldwide.

Saving Levels, High

Fairphone is designed for longevity, easy repair, and modular upgrades.

The goal is to make the phone’s hardware last as long as possible, and to provide the support to keep its software up to date

Specific Product Monitoring, High

A Fairphone lasts in average 5.5 years -22% above the 2022 company goal. The industry average is 2.7 years.

Supply Chain Waste, Medium

In 2020 Fairphone target was compensating for at least 14% of its phones sold, by collecting old devices through our EU recycling service. The goal was exceeded by reaching 18%.

They also recover e-waste in countries that lack recycling infrastructure. They shipped five Tons of batteries from Nigeria and 1,500 phones for responsible recycling to Europe in 2020.

Fairphone compensates for 100% of the e-waste footprint of its flagship products

Sustainability Scorecards, High

They measure the number of points scored on industry players that adopt/apply one of Fairphone’s Though Leadership solutions (cumulative score 2017-2022).

Water Management, Medium

The Responsible Lithium Initiative, which it participates in, expanded its Multi-Stakeholder Partnership in the lithium extraction area in the Salar de Atacama in Chile during 2022.

Lithium extraction in this region has been linked to negative impacts on waterways, ecosystems and indigenous communities.

Conclusions

The Fairphone scored 7/10 in the criteria analysed, becoming the most sustainable mobile phone from the ones we have considered.

Read its Impact Report

Related to other brands

Number of criteria met by each brand:

  • Apple 6/10
  • Samsung 5/10
  • MI 5/10
Sources