Quantitative Ecological Key Figures at Model Level for Electronic End Devices

Abstract

This paper presents a calculation model that makes it possible to generate ecological key figures for refurbished electronic devices at product level and compare them with the respective new device. To date, the ecological advantage of refurbished products can only be shown based on rough average values or very occasionally for specific products that have been analyzed in detail. The methodology developed in this context consists of three steps: Analyzing reference products and generating ecological indicators, adjusting the reference manufacturing process to the average by using correction factors, and transferring it to other products using conversion factors. A key added value of the methodology is that it can be implemented in a calculation model and enables an automated assessment and comparison of any number of products in a category by adding technical data of the products. This enables private and commercial customers to make a quantitative decision regarding ecological factors when making a purchase. The methodology was developed for the smartphone product category using the example of an Apple iPhone 12 with 64 GB memory and transferred to the tablet and laptop categories, which confirmed the transferability of the methodology to other product categories. As part of the project, a total of over 10,000 products were analyzed and it was shown that it is already possible to generate ecological key figures at product level for a large number of products.