In January of 2024, major tech companies gathered at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas to present their newest technology. Due to a rise in environmental concerns in recent decades, sustainability has become a recurring topic in advertisements for new products. The emerging theme of this year’s CES focused on recycled and long-lasting materials for waste reduction. According to Bjoern Stengel, the Global Sustainability Research lead at the International Data Company, device consumers have become invested in the reusability and “recyclability of the product” upon realising the environmental damages of regularly renewing device hardware. Thus, major tech companies are shifting towards extending the lifespan and incorporating more recycled materials into their products, ensuring that valuable pieces in declining devices are preserved for recycling. For example, Google introduced a new policy allowing users to repair devices by themselves using provided instructions, tools, and parts, decreasing user consumption and the demand for production. Additionally, Razer announced improvements to their DeathAdder V2 X Hyperspeed mouse and Ornata V3 keyboard, now “made with 40% and 20% recycled materials.” Perhaps one of the most promising inventions presented is computer company Dell’s new idea for the Concept Luna laptop, first introduced in December 2023. Incorporating AI, Dell is experimenting with “predictive analytics”, using AI to analyse the recyclability and reusability of old products and parts. This possibly pivotal invention symbolises a new direction major tech companies and new products are heading towards—building a recycled, reusable, and long-lasting technology market.
Sources
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/big-techs-ces-2024-sustainability-goals-more-recycled-materials-longer-lifespans/
CES, the International Consumer Electronics Show
