At a time when consumers want to know the costs and conditions of production of goods they purchase, the Dutch company, Fairphone, is committed to fair trade in the mobile phone sector. Several programmes surround the production of its smart phone, to guarantee workers rights, and communicate with clients in transparency about the real costs of production.
Thus, it participates in the "Conflict Free Tin Initiative" (CFTI) project, aiming to respond to issues linked to mineral extraction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As the country is one of the main sources of minerals, such as tantalum and tin, the mineral trade finds itself at the heart of armed conflicts. To meet CFTI clauses, Fairphone's suppliers have no link with militias and do not finance them. In addition, in partnership with its Chinese producer, Guohong, the company has put in place a fund dedicated to employee well-being ("Worker Welfare Fund"). This aims to improve working conditions in the factory, salaries, training and also the professional-personal life balance.
The other issue for Fairphone is to reduce the ecological impact of smartphones. The smartphone has a battery that can be accessed and replaced. The telephone is delivered without a mini USB charger, to reduce IT waste. Part of the telephone's price goes to sponsor associations fighting against electronic waste, in particular, "Closing the Loop". This Dutch organisation gives a second life to telephones thrown away in Europe, in developing countries. When the devices reach the end of their lives, they are collected then recycled. Also, the dual SIM cart port in the "Fairphone" offers the possibility of interchanging two distinct lines, and facilitates use of the devices outside the EU.
News in the same category
McDonalds has announced it is set to replace its plastic straws with environmentally friendly paper straws in all of its stores within the UK and Ireland.
Announced at the end of 2013 by the internet giant, the Amazon Prime Air service should soon start in the United States. This delivery service was temporarily authorised by the American authorities, under certain conditions.
In addition to being located in the heart of the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Japan, the future Henna-na hotel will have the specificity of employing humanoid robots, whilst room access keys and cards give way to facial recognition.
Some would say it’s the ultimate shopping experience. Bring your own shopping bag and shop away.
