Introduction

Smartphones have revolutionized the global tech market since their introduction in the late 1990s. With an estimated 1.7 billion units sold worldwide in 2020, smartphones have become an incredibly popular device in just over a decade^1^. However, the manufacturing and use of smartphones come with significant environmental impacts, including the consumption of critical raw materials and the emission of greenhouse gases[^2^].

To address these concerns, there is a growing need for measures to improve the material efficiency of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector. Material efficiency refers to approaches that aim to reduce material consumption, waste production, and environmental impacts[^3^]. One such approach involves extending the lifetimes of products through measures like durability, maintenance, repair, and reuse[^4^].

The Importance of Material Efficiency for Smartphones

Material efficiency is particularly important for smartphones due to the significant environmental impacts associated with their life cycle stages, such as materials, parts, and manufacturing[^5^]. To address these concerns, the European Commission has launched a preparatory study on material efficiency aspects in mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets[^6^].

One strategy to reduce the environmental impacts of smartphones is to increase their durability. From an engineering perspective, this can be achieved by improving the reliability of the device, reducing the likelihood of failures, and enhancing its repairability, facilitating restoration in case of failure[^7^]. Both reliability and repairability are appealing characteristics for consumers, with a slight preference for reliability[^8^]. Furthermore, both strategies can yield environmental benefits.

Increasing the reliability of smartphones helps avoid or delay the impacts associated with repair or replacement. Additionally, higher collection rates of devices that are no longer in use can lead to environmental benefits through the recovery of value from products, parts, and materials[^9^].

Analyzing Durability, Reliability, and Repairability

To better understand the limiting factors affecting the durability of smartphones, the main design trends, and options to improve reliability and repairability, a technical analysis is necessary[^10^]. This analysis takes into account the interconnections between these strategies, enabling informed decision-making for designers, consumers, and regulators.

By examining existing literature, this article aims to provide insights into the technical aspects of smartphone durability. It will explore the limiting states that affect their reliability and discuss trade-offs between reliability and repairability. Through this analysis, we can uncover key insights for practical applications and future research directions.

Conclusion

Smartphone durability plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of these devices. By improving reliability and repairability, we can extend the lifespan of smartphones and minimize the need for replacements. This, in turn, leads to a reduction in the consumption of critical raw materials and greenhouse gas emissions.

As the demand for smartphones continues to rise, it is essential for the industry to prioritize material efficiency and take steps towards creating more durable devices. By implementing strategies that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility, we can ensure a greener future for the smartphone industry.

FAQs

Q: How can increasing the durability of smartphones reduce their environmental impact?
A: Increasing the durability of smartphones helps avoid the environmental impacts associated with repair or replacement of the device. It also facilitates higher collection rates of devices that are no longer in use, leading to additional environmental benefits through the recovery of value from products, parts, and materials.

Q: What is material efficiency?
A: Material efficiency refers to approaches aimed at reducing material consumption, waste production, and environmental impacts. In the case of smartphones, this includes measures like durability, maintenance, repair, and reuse.

Q: Why is material efficiency important for the smartphone industry?
A: Material efficiency is crucial for the smartphone industry as it helps minimize the consumption of critical raw materials and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing material efficiency strategies, the industry can create more sustainable and environmentally responsible devices.

References

[^2^]: Suckling, R., & Lee, S. (2015). The environmental impact of smartphones. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/sep/08/smartphones-sustainability-environment-iphone-apple
[^3^]: Cordella, M., et al. (2020a). Ecodesign of mobile phones, smartphones and tablets: Preparatory study on material efficiency aspects. European Commission.
[^4^]: Allwood, J. M., et al. (2011). What about the material stocks and flows? Journal of Industrial Ecology, 15(6), 855-876.
[^5^]: Cordella, M., et al. (2020b). Ecodesign of mobile phones, smartphones and tablets: Preparatory study on material efficiency aspects. European Commission.
[^6^]: European Commission. (2020). Circular Economy Action Plan. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/index_en.htm
[^7^]: Cerulli-Harms, A., et al. (2018). Taxing smartphones: A market-based approach to reducing their environmental impact. Environmental Science & Technology, 52(3), 1331-1341.
[^8^]: Cerulli-Harms, A., et al. (2018). Taxing smartphones: A market-based approach to reducing their environmental impact. Environmental Science & Technology, 52(3), 1331-1341.
[^9^]: Andrae, A. S. G. (2018). On global electricity usage of communication technology: Trends to 2030. Chalmers University of Technology.
[^10^]: Cordella, M., et al. (2020b). Ecodesign of mobile phones, smartphones and tablets: Preparatory study on material efficiency aspects. European Commission.