emerging
Sustainable Device Lifecycles
Growing e-waste and increasing consumer environmental awareness necessitate extended device lifecycles and innovative service offerings like recycling programs.
Timeframe
near-term
Categories
Impact areas
Detailed Analysis
The proliferation of electronic devices contributes to a growing e-waste crisis, coinciding with increased consumer awareness of environmental issues. This necessitates a shift towards extending device lifecycles. "The average upgrade cycle for a TV has stretched from three years to about seven years," notes Shah. "Companies need to find ways to engage customers throughout this extended lifecycle." This includes offering software updates, accessories, and recycling programs to maintain customer engagement and brand loyalty. This shift presents an opportunity for companies to transition from selling hardware to providing devices as a service, fostering a more sustainable and circular economy.
Context Signals
82 million tons of e-waste predicted by 2030 (United Nations)
Number of mobile phones exceeding world population in 2023
Apple's successful recycling program as an industry example
Edge
Device-as-a-service models with built-in upgrade and recycling programs
Gamified recycling programs with rewards and incentives
Partnerships with e-waste recycling companies for closed-loop systems
