Laptops: Sustainability Flow
Laptops are essential devices in modern life but involve complex material and energy flows. Understanding their sustainability profile helps in making responsible choices and designs.
🔁 Lifecycle Flow
- Raw Materials: Aluminum, plastics, copper, lithium, rare earths
- Manufacturing: High-energy production, global supply chains
- Distribution: Global transport to consumers or retailers
- Usage: Energy consumption during daily operation (15–60W)
- End-of-Life: E-waste, recycling, landfill, or refurbishing
📊 Key Sustainability Metrics
- Carbon footprint: ~300–800 kg CO₂e per laptop (avg. lifecycle)
- Energy use (production): 1,000–2,000 MJ per unit
- E-waste: Less than 20% properly recycled globally
- Critical minerals: Cobalt, tantalum, lithium, and rare earth pressure
✅ Circular Strategies
- Design for modularity and repair (e.g. replaceable batteries)
- Buy-back and refurbishing programs
- Recycled aluminum and plastics in production
- Extended use and software updates to delay replacement