Smartphones Receive Sustainable Certification

A global technology company has developed new certification for smartphones, giving consumers the first guide to choosing a socially responsible mobile phone.

Swedish company TCO Development says that to achieve this certification mobile phone companies must meet a series of criteria to ensure that manufacturing, use and recycling is carried out with consideration for environmental,social and economic responsibility.

According to TCO Development, smartphones have seen an annual 50% sales growth, the fastest growing of all IT products with one billion predicted to be sold during 2014.

But, the company says, this growth also carries new sustainability challenges such as hazardous substances, a rapid replacement rate, e-waste and sub-standard working conditions in manufacturing are among the major problems, the certification provider said.

"The certification will focus on driving greater social responsibility into the manufacturing of smartphones as well as reducing their impact on the environment and human health," TCO Development Director of Product Certification Niclas Rydell said.

" Examples of criteria include manufacturer commitment to international labour conventions, reduction of hazardous substances such as heavy metals, beryllium, nickel and phthalates as well as energy efficiency and ergonomic design.

"This certification will provide public and private sector organisations with a real assurance that the smartphones they choose can help meet their sustainability goals and bring about a more sustainable IT environment," Rydell said.

The new certification criteria set is available in draft format for public and stakeholder comment during April. The certification should be available for brands to certify their smartphones by mid-May. View the draft here.