Electronics

For a reuse economy where resources are used efficiently and waste is reduced we need a redesign of electronics.

Electronics should be designed with durability and repairability in mind, enabling the use and reuse of compatible spare parts.

Many consumers are already participating in reuse and repair initiatives, but resource efficiency needs to be further enhanced to ensure the circularity of Critical Raw Materials.

How can the electronics sector be more resource efficient?

New legislation will be key in changing the electronics sector…

EU lawmakers approved new repair rules in the electronics industry aimed at supporting independent electronics repair and improving consumer access to affordable repair options. These regulations take a positive step forward by mandating reasonable prices for original electronic parts, the use of compatible and reused spare parts, and prohibiting practices that stop independent electronics repair.

Unfortunately, many gaps remain. EU lawmakers have yet to clarify what constitutes a 'reasonable' price, and manufacturers can still render repairs difficult with sneaky hardware and software practices allowed by loopholes.

Most critically, these rules only apply to a handful of electronic products. For the moment, only TVs and servers, with smartphones and tablets to follow soon.  You can see which products are covered on the R2R website under 'What's my right to repair'. 

The Right to Repair Europe coalition, representing over 180 organisations, is calling for broader legislation covering additional product categories beyond smartphones, tablets, and select appliances.

They demand a Universal Right to Repair. Looking ahead, the coalition urges the upcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation to establish reparability requirements for a wider range of products and to ban anti-repair practices and premature obsolescence. 

Growth in social enterprises

Social enterprises play a crucial role in a just and green transition towards a resilient, low-carbon economy.

By implementing reuse of electronic items, they not only reduce resource use but also provide local and inclusive employment opportunities and services.

RREUSE, an international network representing social enterprises working on reuse, repair, and recycling, is at the forefront of advocating for sustainable practices in the management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Their key focus areas include:

  • Developing Ecodesign minimum requirements for electronics products
  • Advocating for a comprehensive revision of the WEEE directive
  • Creating alternative collection models for electronics to safeguard reusability.
An illustration of a social enterprise

Learn More

Resources on Electronics

Electronics

ICT: A top horizontal priority in sustainable product policy

This study calls attention to the need for ICT (Information and Communications Technology) products to be prioritised in ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) and Ecodesign by demonstrating significant material impacts in a number of broad product groupings that have...

Electronics

Coolproducts don’t cost the Earth – Briefing

In this report we shine a light on the true cost of planned obsolescence, and provide recommendations to increase the repairability of our everyday products and ensure they last longer.

Electronics

Announcing the Repair and Reuse Declaration

We’re delighted to launch our new Repair and Reuse Declaration to celebrate Repair Day, with a whopping 125 (and counting) groups signed up. The Declaration is supported by more than 100 community repair groups alongside NGOs and businesses like The...

SEE ALL RESOURCES

Take Action

Join Our Newsletter

Sign up to the #WeChooseReuse newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest reuse news from Europe
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram