From discard to design: How brands are embracing sustainable electronics

In an era where the life cycle of gadgets is shrinking as fast as our attention spans, the pile of electronic waste or e-waste, is growing at an alarming pace. In 2022, the world generated a staggering 62 million tonnes of e-waste, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, a report1 by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Of this, only 22.3% was properly collected and recycled. India, the third-largest generator of e-waste globally, produced around 1.1 million tonnes, and the figure is expected to grow exponentially as smartphone, appliance, and electric vehicle usage continues to surge.

But amid this grim data lies a flicker of innovation: a design revolution that’s quietly reshaping how electronic devices are built and rebuilt.

Designing for disassembly
Gone are the days when sleek gadgets were sealed shut, their insides inaccessible without professional intervention. Today, more brands are adopting Design for Disassembly (DfD), an approach that enables products to be taken apart easily for repair, reuse, or recycling. This shift is driven not just by environmental concerns but also by growing consumer demand for more durable, repairable products.

Tech companies, particularly in Europe and North America, are increasingly embracing modular design, where individual parts like batteries, screens, and cameras can be replaced without trashing the whole device. Even India is catching up. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has begun exploring circular design guidelines2, while the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is tightening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms3, nudging brands to take ownership of a product’s post-consumer phase.

Sustainable materials, smarter choices
Eco-conscious design isn't limited to modularity. Manufacturers are also rethinking the materials they use. Recycled aluminium, bio-plastics, reclaimed rare-earth metals, these are slowly becoming part of the electronics lexicon.

Take circuit boards, for instance. Once deemed unrecyclable due to their composite materials, companies are now experimenting with biodegradable substrates and non-toxic soldering agents. Even packaging is undergoing a green makeover, with many firms switching to plastic-free, compostable alternatives.

Closing the loop with circularity
The big idea behind these design shifts is circularity, keeping materials in use for as long as possible. Startups and giants alike are launching take-back programmes, incentivising users to return old devices for refurbishing or recycling. Some firms are going a step further by integrating traceability tech like blockchain to map a gadget's life cycle from cradle to grave.

What’s particularly exciting is how sustainability is no longer a niche concern. It’s becoming central to product strategy, thanks to informed consumers and a rising ecosystem of green design engineers and circularity consultants. Sustainability is no longer just about waste management, it’s about smart, elegant design that balances performance with the planet.

The India opportunity

India’s challenge is unique: a booming electronics market with relatively low awareness of formal e-waste disposal. A 2022 study by the Central Pollution Control Board revealed that over 90% of e-waste in India is processed by the informal sector, often in unsafe, unregulated conditions4. This not only harms the environment but also endangers workers' health.

To address this, public-private partnerships are essential. They can bridge the gap between awareness and action, especially in urban centres where consumption is highest.

A step in the right direction

One such initiative is Project E-Waste, a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz India and SACH India, aimed at creating awareness and driving responsible e-waste disposal practices. While just a drop in the ocean, such efforts are crucial in shifting mindsets and setting benchmarks for other stakeholders to follow.

In the end, the path from discard to design is not just about innovation. It’s about intention. In a world hurtling towards tech-saturation, the most futuristic gadget may well be the one that knows how to deconstruct itself.

References:

1. https://ewastemonitor.info/the-global-e-waste-monitor-2024/
2. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1934624
3. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/for-circular-economy-india-plans-epr-rules-for-other-sectors/articleshow/119439996.cms?from=mdr
4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380269874_E-Waste_Management_A_Circular_Economy_Perspective

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of ‘Project E-waste, a collaborative initiative between Mercedes and SACH India’ by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.