Circular Electronics Initiative is an international network of expert member organizations dedicated to promoting more circular solutions for electronics.
The initiative also serves as a stakeholder body for the development of upcoming circularity criteria in TCO Certified in line with the Roadmap for Sustainable IT.
Its origins date back several years to the collaboration behind Circular Electronics Day, an annual event on 24 January that advocates for circular practices and encourages organizations and consumers to be more responsible with the electronic goods they use and generate. Based on this collaboration, Circular Electronics Initiative was established in early 2021.
Circularity helps address many of today’s challenges
The current linear approach to producing and consuming electronics harms fragile ecosystems and depletes natural resources. It also contributes to climate change, as significant greenhouse gas emissions occur during both production and use.
In a circular economy, products are designed to be durable, upgradeable, and repairable to ensure they last longer. Instead of disposing of them after a few years, we properly maintain electronics. When a product no longer meets the needs of its original user, options such as reselling or donating are considered to extend its lifespan. By using electronics more efficiently and promoting the circulation of products and materials, we can reduce environmental impacts and ensure the supply of critical materials.
Becoming a member
Each member organization needs to sign a declaration to support the Circular Electronics Initiative. There are no mandatory costs to join, but members are expected to dedicate time, knowledge, and engagement, and to strive for more circular solutions for electronics.
Member organizations
Latest articles from Circular Electronics Initiative
What you can do
Extending the use
Extending product life is the single most important thing you can do. Upgrade and repair your products so they last longer and make use of the second hand market.
Sustainability certification
If you need to buy a new product, choose products that carry a sustainability certification that includes robust criteria and requires third party verification.
Durable products
Choose a durable product that can last longer. Avoid buying unrepairable electronics that you may risk having to throw away after a short usage time.
Compensate
Compensate the e-waste footprint of your new product, either by recycling a product with a similar footprint or by purchasing the offsetting as a service.
Recycle or refurbish
Don’t throw it out! If it’s not possible to reuse or sell your old products, take them to an electronics recycler or refurbisher where they will be handled responsibly.
What you can do
Extending the use
Extending product life is the single most important thing you can do. Upgrade and repair your products so they last longer and make use of the second hand market.
Sustainability certification
If you need to buy a new product, choose products that carry a sustainability certification that includes robust criteria and requires third party verification.
Durable products
Choose a durable product that can last longer. Avoid buying unrepairable electronics that you may risk having to throw away after a short usage time.
Climate compensate
Climate compensate the e-waste footprint of your new product, either by recycling a product with a similar footprint or by purchasing the offsetting as a service.
Recycle or refurbish
Don’t throw it out! If it’s not possible to reuse or sell your old products, take them to an electronics recycler or refurbisher where they will be handled responsibly.
Contact
Gabriella Mellstrand, project coordinator
gabriella.mellstrand@tcodevelopment.com
This page is hosted by TCO Development, the organization behind the global leading sustainability certification for IT products TCO Certified, for Circular Electronics Initiative.