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
Less than 15 days ago after announcing they were removed, Asda is reinstalling previous food donation points in all its stores across the UK.
Transforming water into vodka or rum is not a miracle with the "Palcohol" powders from "Lipsmark" soon to be sold in the USA. Another company, Pat's Backcountry Beverages sells beer in sachets.
Tested by the Swiss Post Office during 2013, the "SMS Stamp" lets you pay postage on letters using a mobile telephone. By sending an SMS to a dedicated number, the client receives a code to indicate on the envelope.
From London to Canberra, passing by Paris and Ottawa, consumer associations have begun protest campaigns to reduce the tax applied to sanitary towels, tampons, menstrual cups and other sanitary protection.
