Fairphone, founded in 2013 in the Netherlands, began as a movement to highlight ethical issues in the electronics industry before evolving into a social enterprise dedicated to producing the world’s most sustainable smartphone. By sourcing fair-trade materials, ensuring fair labour conditions, and designing modular, easily repairable devices, Fairphone challenges industry norms and promotes responsible technology. It reinvests profits into sustainability initiatives and works directly with suppliers to improve working conditions.  

The company prioritises the use of fair-trade gold, responsibly mined cobalt, and recycled plastics, reducing the environmental and social impact of smartphone production. The smartphone industry is marked by exploitative labour, environmental destruction, and planned obsolescence. Mining essential materials often involves human rights abuses, while most phones are designed for short lifespans, generating massive electronic waste. Consumers have few ethical alternatives, as major manufacturers prioritise profit over sustainability.  

Fairphone addresses these issues through responsible sourcing, fair labour practices, and modular design, allowing users to replace individual components rather than discard entire devices. By building long-term partnerships with ethical suppliers, Fairphone ensures fair wages and safe working conditions while reducing waste and promoting a culture of repairability. The company also maintains transparency in its supply chain, pushing the industry toward more ethical practices. This is how Fairphone for example went to Tanzania to discuss responsible gold credits.

Fairphone has made a tangible impact by improving working conditions for miners and factory workers, increasing the use of fair-trade and recycled materials, and extending product lifespans to combat e-waste. Its advocacy has influenced industry giants and policymakers to adopt fairer, more sustainable practices. However, scaling an ethical business in a highly competitive market remains challenging. Financial pressures and supply chain disruptions are ongoing obstacles, while consumer habits still favour new technology over repairability. Raising awareness and shifting consumer behaviour are essential to driving long-term change.

Looking to the future, Fairphone aims to expand its reach by increasing production, diversifying its product range, and advocating for stronger regulations on ethical sourcing and e-waste reduction. It continues to explore circular economy solutions, working toward a more sustainable and accessible technology industry. By leading with transparency, innovation, and ethical business practices, Fairphone is proving that fairness and sustainability can become the norm in electronics.

Read about more about all of Fairphone initiatives on their blog.