Have you an old Motorola or Ericsson mobile phone stashed away in a drawer or hidden in the back of a cupboard, perhaps sitting alongside an old and unused laptop or printer?
If you have you are not the only one. In a recent study we carried out, we found that just over half of people (54%) are still holding on to old devices, which raises concerns that too little is being done to tackle the problem of tech-hoarding.
The survey of 321 people also found that just 19% said they recycled electronics they no longer use. This means millions of tonnes of e-waste could be piling up in people’s homes, depriving unused electronics of a second life.
In addition, we found almost half (49%) said they have used their current mobile device for one to two years, while 28% are using a phone purchased three to four years ago.
With large numbers of people changing their smartphones on a regular basis and the majority hoarding old models, manufacturers might eventually struggle to find the raw materials needed to produce new and exciting gadgets.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom as the study also showed a growing number of people who wish to make an effort to be more sustainable. Close to a third (27%) said they now prioritise device durability when buying a new one, highlighting the importance and urgency for smarter design processes to ensure longer lifespans for new products.
In fact, the conflicting findings highlight the significance of manufacturers increasing product lifecycles at the design stage as this is by far the most effective solution to the growing e-waste problem. Tackling this issue will help reduce devices going to landfill as consumers become greener. One important step that consumers can make is to take all their old and broken electronic devices to a designated recycling point so that components and raw materials can be reused.
With the increasing reliance on ever-advancing technology, it’s clear that more should be done to improve the recyclability and reusability of all electronic devices.
At P2i we are committed to helping our customers reduce the environmental impact of their manufacturing processes and products. That’s why we continue to lead the way by delivering solutions that support our customers’ environmental and sustainability goals, with our liquid-repellent nanotechnology, which not only protects devices, but allows them to be easily repaired without going to waste.
If you would like to learn more about how our nano-coatings can protect your devices, get in touch with our experts today.