Testimonial from Fairphone: sustainability in the DNA
Fairphone is a global benchmark for sustainable electronics designed to last, offering high-quality devices made using ethical materials and responsible production.
To promote more responsible consumption and anchor its commitments, Fairphone has undertaken a third-party certification process with LONGTIME®. They share their experiences with us: the motivations that guided their choice, the obstacles they encountered along the way, and the lessons they learned.
A brand with a clear mission
“Our mission? To transform the electronics industry by proving that excellent design, user-centred experience, social responsibility and respect for the environment can and must coexist. “
Fairphone doesn’t just design beautiful high-tech products: its raison d’être is based on sustainability, eco-design and long-term repairability. Contrary to the logic of forced renewal and greenwashing, the brand defends a model in which quality, transparency and positive impact take precedence over the race for novelty.
Why LONGTIME®?
For Fairphone, choosing LONGTIME® was a natural fit with its long-standing commitment to sustainability. a8> the continuity of its commitments, by providing an independent, credible and demanding to its approach in favour of sustainability:
“LONGTIME® is a certification that sets high standards and is based on a rigorous award process involving consultation with a stakeholders in order to establish detailed and ambitious requirements, which distinguishes it within the broad landscape of a26> markings related to sustainable development. By engaging LONGTIME®, we wanted to have our commitments recognised by an a37> independent third party to recognise the strength of our commitments to sustainable electronics. “
This approach enables Fairphone to make a credible claim for the durability of their cables and chargers, in line with the directive on ecological claims, while strengthening consumer confidence. In a context where reparability is becoming a common marketing argument, Fairphone stands out for its demanding, certified approach.
Combining technical rigour with an accessible approach
Even deeply committed, Fairphone has challenged itself to obtain certification:
“The certification process took 7 months and involved many teams within the company (product management, product engineering, quality, supply chain, after-sales service, customer support, marketing, legal team, Impact Innovation, etc.).
We received very committed, responsive and friendly support from Elsa Lomont and François Belin (Ethikis) and Xavier Schmitt (Apave) throughout our certification process. We found it very clear what we had to do at each stage to get closer to certification, and had fruitful discussions whenever clarification of the requirements was needed. “
The time and effort put in by the Ethikis teams involved in this certification has not only resulted in a smooth, well-organised experience, but also in a further step forward in sustainability practices:
“As mentioned, one of the pillars of Fairphone’s mission is to create sustainable products. As well as making devices that are repairable and designed to last, we have put in place processes and a support service designed to encourage longevity. As a result, we haven’t had to carry out an in-depth review of our working methods or the materials we use. Nevertheless, the certification scheme has enabled us to make some useful adjustments to our processes and existing documentation. “
A shared vision of responsible consumption
LONGTIME® and FAIRPHONE, two sectors of activity that are different, but one similar goal:
“We believe that LONGTIME® and Fairphone share the same mission, namely to promote sustainable and greener products and to offer technologies to consumers who wish to exercise their right to repair. Furthermore, the LONGTIME® label is easy to understand without any context. “
At Fairphone, this conviction is shared at every level: to make sustainability the norm, not the exception. Each product embodies this desire to build electronics that are fairer, more sober and truly sustainable.
A final word?
“Given that we were aiming for certification within a relatively short timeframe before launching a new product, the process sometimes seemed intense. Nevertheless, it enabled us to carry out an in-depth assessment of our practices and to remedy certain shortcomings identified along the way. The result is tangible: our new cables and chargers now proudly bear the LONGTIME® label. It’s a demanding commitment, but one that’s well worth the effort, as certification also opens up concrete opportunities, such as access to the Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly shop for their cables and chargers. “
A big thank you to Fairphone for their trust and their feedback. Their approach fully illustrates the vision that we hold at LONGTIME® : products designed to last, supported by brands that are committed with consistency and high standards.