The four elements of the mobile phone lifecycle with the highest environmental impacts are:
- extracting raw materials
- manufacturing phone components
- running networks
- managing the end-of-use of phones and network equipment.
These four areas were highlighted by the research we commissioned by sustainable development charity, Forum for the Future.
Of these, Vodafone only has direct control over the running of its networks. We have a strategy in place to reduce our energy use and manage our impact on climate change, and we recycle network equipment.
We work with suppliers to minimise the environmental impact of phones during manufacturing and the extraction of relevant raw materials, by encouraging suppliers to manage impacts lower down the supply chain. Handset recycling programmes are in place across the Group to manage impacts associated with the disposal of phones.
Extraction of raw materials and manufacturing
Extracting raw materials and manufacturing components makes up more than half of a phone’s environmental impact. Extracting materials such as precious metals involves moving large volumes of earth and rock – 100kg of mine waste is created to extract the gold for a single phone circuit board. This requires a lot of energy, damages biodiversity and can cause pollution through the use of hazardous materials.
Mobile phones are getting smaller and smaller, requiring fewer raw materials, and impacts can be reduced through product design. We encourage suppliers to consider environmental impacts as part of their design process and phase out substances restricted by the EU Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive. See Complying with legislation on electronic waste.
Network base stations also contain precious metals and potentially hazardous materials. We reuse equipment and recycle as much of this material as possible.
Energy consumption during mobile phone use
Mobile phones and networks use considerable amounts of energy. Phones have an environmental impact while they are being used: about a third of the energy consumption in the lifecycle of a handset comes from powering the phone while in use.
We are working with suppliers and peers to improve the energy efficiency of mobile phones, chargers and network equipment. Vodafone has joined other leading mobile operators and manufacturers in a commitment to implement an industry-wide standard for a universal energy-efficient charger (see Eco-consumerism).
There are also potential energy savings associated with mobile phone use, for example saving the need for travel, smart logistics and smart grid applications. See Using our products to reduce climate impact.
End of life
We recycle almost all our network equipment and we require all of our local operating companies to implement a local scheme to collect mobile phones for reuse and recycling.