Q+A: Why Consumer Electronics has a Sustainability Problem

Do you have some examples of companies that are transforming sustainability within the industry?

I’d like to discuss three examples that I admire:

Grover

Grover offers more than 3,000 types of electronics for consumers to rent through a flexible subscription model.

This model promotes sustainability by extending device lifecycles, reducing e-waste and keeping electronics in circulation longer.

Since its founding in 2015, Grover has circulated over 500,000 devices from major brands like Apple and Samsung, saving 1,500 tons of e-waste.

Two aspects of Grover’s model infuse pillars of circularity into traditional electronics buying patterns.

First, users can purchase items they rent, with the rental cost applied to the purchase price. This allows consumers – especially early adopters – to make informed decisions.

Second, Grover’s model also increases the utilisation of each product.

Many people buy drones, for example, only to use them once or twice per year until they lose interest. After that, the device gets shoved into a closet and, eventually, it’s thrown away.

The subscription model keeps products in circulation much longer.

Back Market

Specialising in refurbished electronics, Back Market connects buyers with certified refurbishers, offering affordable devices like smartphones and laptops.

This French-based company ensures quality and reliability through rigorous vetting of sellers and uses algorithms to highlight optimal deals.

By leaning on strong digital skills, Back Market has increased consumer confidence in refurbished electronics and helped sustain a market for them.

Skullcandy

Skullcandy integrates sustainability into its business model through initiatives like carbon-neutral purchases and partnerships with environmental organisations.

To meet its 100% recycled packaging goal, Skullcandy overcame a potential US$1m annual cost increase by rethinking product and packaging designs, enhancing supply chain and transportation efficiency.

Additionally, the company introduced a feature upgrade service for existing devices, which extends product life, generates new revenue and helps keep e-waste from landfills.

Finally, Skullcandy’s return programme in the US and Europe involves inspecting returned items for reuse or recycling. This initiative even

extends to competitors’ products, which prevents one million pounds of e-waste from reaching landfills.