Back Market Calls for 10-Year Device Standard

Refurbished electronics marketplace Back Market is advocating for a legally mandated 10-year device standard that encompasses durability, repairability, and long-term software support. The company's new initiative, "Mine My Phone," aims to highlight the environmental, human, and geopolitical costs associated with device manufacturing and obsolescence.

According to Back Market, producing a 200-gram smartphone requires the extraction of over 266 kilograms of raw materials. Globally, the annual material extraction for smartphone manufacturing exceeds 319 million tonnes. The company points out that approximately 80% of a smartphone's lifetime carbon footprint is generated before the device is even used, and the current 2- to 2.5-year upgrade cycle exacerbates these issues.

The "Mine My Phone" platform is designed to educate consumers about the hidden costs behind their devices, including the impact of critical mineral extraction, potential human rights abuses in supply chains, and the environmental consequences of electronic waste. Back Market cites research suggesting that increased awareness of these factors can influence consumer purchasing decisions and expectations regarding device longevity.

Back Market intends to build a coalition to support its call for regulatory action. The company believes that establishing a 10-year standard for device durability, repairability, and software support is crucial for reducing resource depletion and mitigating the negative impacts of the electronics industry. The initiative comes amidst growing global discussions about sustainability and the circular economy in the technology sector.