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Fairphone

A modular, repairable, ethical smartphone from the Netherlands.

European Fair Compensation Eco-Friendly Hardware Modular Design Circular Economy Energy Efficient
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Description

Fairphone, founded in 2013 in the Netherlands, is a social enterprise dedicated to producing the world’s most ethical and sustainable smartphone. The company is renowned for its commitment to fair labor practices, ensuring SA8000-certified working conditions and pioneering the electronics industry’s Ffirst living wage program for factory workers. By sourcing recycled and conflict-free materials, Fairphone minimises environmental harm and promotes transparency across its supply chain.

Fairphone’s modular design allows users to easily replace components, extending the device’s lifespan and reducing e-waste. The company also provides long-term software support, with up to 7 years of Android updates, reinforcing its focus on sustainability and user empowerment.

The latest model (Fairphone 6) is cheaper than the latest Shiftphone model (Shiftphone 8) with comparable specs. Shiftphone is more modular though, with almost all components being replaceable.

Fairphone can bought with pre-installed Android or the deGoogled operating system /e/OS.

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Sustainability Features of Fairphone

European - Based in Europe, ensuring compliance with GDPR and European privacy and labor regulations.

Fairphone is based in the Netherlands, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong European privacy and labor regulations.

Fair Compensation - Ensures fair compensation for all artists/workers involved in production and contribution.

Fairphone’s production partners hold SA8000 certification, one of the highest standards for safe and decent working conditions. The company actively works to improve working conditions, including humane working hours, health and safety, and worker empowerment through regular audits and direct engagement with workers

Eco-Friendly Hardware - Hardware designed with recycled or sustainable materials, reducing environmental impact.

Fairphone uses recycled and sustainable materials in its devices, reducing environmental impact and supporting a circular economy.

Modular Design - Hardware designed for easy repairs and upgrades, extending product lifespan and reducing e-waste.

Fairphone’s modular design allows users to easily repair and upgrade their devices’ battery, screen and camera, extending product lifespan and reducing e-waste.

Circular Economy - Supports recycling and circular economy principles, reducing environmental impact.

Fairphone supports recycling and circular economy principles, offering take-back programs and using recycled materials in new devices.

Energy Efficient - Hardware or services designed to consume minimal energy, reducing environmental impact.

Fairphone’s production and operations are designed to be energy efficient, reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

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Summary

Fairphone is a Dutch electronics manufacturer that stands out for its commitment to sustainability, ethical production, and modular design. The company’s latest model, the Fairphone 6, is designed to be easily repairable, with a focus on using recycled and fair-trade materials, and offers seven years of Android updates and eight years of security patches. Fairphone also partners with Murena to offer a deGoogled versions running /e/OS.

Sustainability Score
95

More Sustainable Alternatives for Smartphones

Shiftphone

A modular, repairable, ethical smartphone from Germany.

Shiftphone is based in Germany, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong European privacy and labor regulations.
Shiftphone claims to provide good working conditions, including a flexible 40-hour workweek, no overtime, and a safe, open work environment. The company states that it does not tolerate child labor and avoids conflict minerals like coltan. Shift does not offer independent verification as far as I know.
Shiftphone claims a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional smartphones. It uses recyclable mono-material plastics and emphasizes energy-efficient production.
Shiftphone’s highly modular design allows users to easily repair and upgrade most of their devices’ components, extending product lifespan and reducing e-waste.
Shiftphone supports recycling and circular economy principles, offering take-back programs and using recyclable materials in new devices.
Shiftphone’s production and operations are designed to be energy efficient, reducing the company’s carbon footprint by up to 40% compared to conventional smartphones.
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