Fairphone CEO challenges myth of expensive sustainable tech
The CEO of Fairphone has stated that the notion sustainable technology must be more expensive and lower quality is a myth. He emphasized that there is no such thing as a 'sustainability premium' in their products. This comes as Fairphone continues to produce repairable smartphones aimed at ethical manufacturing.
Fairphone, a Dutch company known for its modular and repairable smartphones, is pushing back against common perceptions in the tech industry. In a recent interview, CEO Bas van Abel argued that sustainable tech does not inherently require higher costs or reduced quality. 'It's a myth that sustainable tech has to cost more and be of lower quality,' he said. 'It's not a sustainability premium.'
Van Abel's comments highlight Fairphone's approach to balancing environmental responsibility with market competitiveness. The company, founded in 2010, has focused on creating phones that are easy to repair and built with ethically sourced materials. Their latest model, the Fairphone 5, launched in 2023, is priced at €699 and offers five years of software updates and at least eight years of repair support. This pricing positions it comparably to mid-range smartphones from major brands, while incorporating features like a removable battery and conflict-free minerals.
The CEO pointed to Fairphone's supply chain practices as key to debunking the cost myth. By working directly with suppliers in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo for tin and working to improve labor conditions, Fairphone aims to reduce environmental impact without passing on excessive costs to consumers. 'We're proving that you can have a sustainable product that is also high quality and competitively priced,' van Abel added.
This perspective comes amid growing scrutiny of the smartphone industry's environmental footprint, including e-waste and resource extraction. Fairphone's model contrasts with fast-fashion tech cycles from giants like Apple and Samsung, which often prioritize disposability. However, van Abel acknowledged challenges, such as scaling production while maintaining ethical standards. The company's sales have grown steadily, with over 300,000 units sold since inception, indicating consumer interest in sustainable alternatives.
Van Abel's statements underscore a broader industry shift toward sustainability, though adoption remains slow. Fairphone continues to advocate for right-to-repair laws and circular economy principles in tech.