Experts View on the Sustainability of the Fairphone 2

Fairphone - a Dutch social enterprise -is trying to reduce the social and environmental problems in electronics manufacturing and therefore producing a “fair” smartphone. There first product was the Fairphone 1 in 2013, followed by the Fairphone 2 in 2016. To evaluate Fairphone's approach and achievements, Fraunhofer IZM together with Deutsche Umwelthilfe conducted an expert survey on “How sustainable is the Fairphone 2?” The Fairphone was considered best practice towards more sustainable electronics. Aspects such as conflict-free materials and steps towards better working conditions at manufacturing sites in China were rated positive. Especially the modular design of the Fairphone 2 and Fairphone's transparency on all steps, costs, achievements, and drawbacks was emphasized as outstanding in the smartphone market. Nevertheless, experts also mentioned further improvement potential for Fairphone such as procuring more materials from “fair” certified sources and extending of the modular design approach from repairable to upgradeable.