Designing for durability and circularity in consumer electronics

Manufacturers may intentionally design electronic devices with components that are expected to fail or become outdated after a certain period. This encourages consumers to replace their devices with newer models at the first sign of fault.

The environmental impact of this widespread behaviour is colossal. According to the World Health Organisation, e-waste is the fastest-growing solid waste stream in the world. In 2019, an estimated 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally, but only 17.4% was documented as formally collected and recycled. While consumers have a key role to play in reducing the amount of e-waste produced and prolonging the lifespan of their gadgets, manufacturers must make the first move in achieving true circularity. Sustainability and circularity must be introduced at the design stage. Electronics must be designed for durability, easy disassembly, repair, and parts replacement.

James Rigg, CEO at Trojan Electronics further explores.

Increasing repairability

Electronics that are designed with modular components can be easily disassembled and replaced. Modular systems can adapt to changing requirements, environments, or technologies by replacing, adding, or removing modules without affecting the rest of the system. A successful example of a modular device is the Framework Laptop 13 designed to be taken apart and upgraded. Its battery can be easily replaced along with all the rest of the components, including the RAM and SSD. Framework sells replacement parts and upgrades through its marketplace, but also supports third-party parts.

We currently work with Melitta, the coffee machine manufacturer to save its bean-to-cup machines from going to landfills. As part of the company’s continued sustainability efforts, all parts of the machines can be replaced to extend their lifespan.

Sustainable material sourcing

Designing for sustainability and circularity must be considered from the start of the design process. This means selecting raw materials that have a lower environmental impact and a greater capacity for circularity. Materials that are easily recyclable should be prioritised. When used, the materials should be clearly labelled for easy identification during the recycling process. This helps recycling facilities sort and separate different materials efficiently at the end of the device’s lifecycle.

Avoiding hazardous materials is also key to reducing the environmental footprint of electronics as they pose environmental and health risks during disposal and recycling. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of hazardous pollutants from informal e-waste recycling activities. In some countries, young people are often involved in waste picking, burning discarded e-waste and the manual dismantling of items into parts. These same children are highly sensitive to many of the pollutants released through e-waste recycling due to their developing bodies, including their respiratory, immune, and central nervous systems.

Prioritising collaboration

Circularity won’t be achieved without collaboration between industry partners, stakeholders, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. It is an opportunity for businesses to work closer with their suppliers to promote sustainable sourcing practices and encourage the adoption of circular design principles in the production of raw materials and components. Manufacturers should be encouraging their suppliers to implement and monitor responsible mining, recycling, and waste reduction practices. Unfortunately, those suppliers that fail to adopt more sustainable practices, are likely to be left behind by those competitors that share the same values as their customers.

But beyond suppliers, there is wider stakeholder collaboration required to improve e-waste rates. We are in the process of launching CLEAR, a trade body that advises and supports its members on their sustainability journey by promoting industry innovation and new ways of working, sharing learning and experiences. Through regular meetings, networking events, and advocacy campaigns we aim to build a strong community of leaders and innovators who share a commitment to sustainability and circularity. Taking the leap and starting to make more circular decisions can be daunting for businesses. There is significant time and financial investment required to alter existing processes. However, by engaging in a community that shares the same ideals, where manufacturers can voice their concerns and innovations, they can increase their confidence to the point of action.

Looking towards a more circular future

Embracing circular design principles in electronic design is imperative for creating a sustainable and resilient future. By prioritising modularity, recyclable materials, sustainable sourcing and collaboration, manufacturers can minimise environmental impact and promote circularity. The shift towards sustainable design not only benefits the planet but also enhances brand reputation, fosters customer loyalty, and aligns businesses with the growing global commitment to responsible and ethical practices.

Through a collective effort, we can pave the way for a future where electronics are designed with longevity, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability at the forefront.