TCO Development reveals key trends in more sustainable IT products

IT products are a source of greenhouse gases throughout their entire life cycle — from manufacturing through to distribution, use and disposal. With improvements in design, manufacturing, technology and user behavior, it is possible to limit these impacts. TCO Certified, the leading sustainability certification for IT products, has seen a gratifying increased interest in more sustainable IT products over the last two years.

“In percentage terms, our fastest-growing product category is headsets. Since the launch of the latest generation of TCO Certified, we’ve seen a big increase in new certified headset models, compared to the previous generation. The increase is from a low base compared to the two biggest product categories – displays and notebooks – but there’s no question that brands want to get more headsets certified,” says Sören Enholm, CEO at TCO Development, the organization behind TCO Certified.

1. Headsets, +850 percent (increase from a low base)
2. Notebooks, +49 percent
3. Displays, +24 percent

“Growing interest in more sustainable IT products is good news for everyone wanting to make more sustainable choices. The demand is an effect of purchasers raising their voices and asking for IT products that take issues like climate, circularity, substances, and supply chain into account. Brands are demonstrating their commitment to meeting this need of purchasers worldwide by applying for TCO Certified for their products. Buyers now have an even wider range of products to choose from,” Enholm adds.

Behind all the certificates lies more than 10,000 hours a year on developing criteria. Every year, accredited experts spend more than 20,000 hours on product testing and supply chain assessments to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of greenwash.

All certified products can be found in Product Finder.

TCO Certified is the global sustainability certification for IT products, empowering both IT buyers and brands to make more responsible choices. Our comprehensive criteria are designed to drive social and environmental responsibility and are updated continuously to push sustainability where it matters most. Compliance with all criteria is always independently verified for every product. Our Roadmap for Sustainable IT is the long-term plan for addressing issues in four key areas: climate, substances, circularity and supply chain. By using TCO Certified, you join a global movement for sustainable IT.