Sustainability

What is ‘e-waste’?

Electrical and electronic equipment discarded by the owner without intent to reuse (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, appliances).

Name two hazardous substances commonly found in e-waste.

Mercury and brominated flame-retardants (BFRs) (also chlorofluorocarbons).

What does the WEEE Directive regulate?

Targets for collection, recycling, reuse, and recovery of six categories of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

List three key principles of the circular economy.

Eliminate waste and pollution; Circulate products and materials at their highest value; Regenerate nature.

Who founded the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and why?

Ellen MacArthur, after becoming the fastest solo sailor around the world, founded it in 2010 to accelerate transition to a circular economy.

What is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?

A systematic analysis of the environmental impacts of a product/process over its entire life cycle (from raw materials to disposal).

Give one example of how Philips applies circular economy principles.

Customers trade in used medical equipment which Philips refurbishes and resells under the ‘Circular Edition’, extending product life and reducing raw material demand.

Name two UN Sustainable Development Goals related to e-waste management.

Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action) (also Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

What percentage of global e-waste was officially recycled in 2019?

Only 17.4% was formally collected and recycled in 2019.

What are the four steps of a Life Cycle Assessment?

1. Goal and scope definition; 2) Life cycle inventory (data collection); 3) Impact assessment; 4) Interpretation and critical review.