Towards Zero Waste in Industrial Networks: A case study of the D4R laptop

The Design for Recycling, Repair, Refurbishment and Reuse (D4R) laptop is developed in conjunction with MicroPro Computers, a Dublin based computer manufacturer. MicroPro has formed an industrial network with end-of-life (EOL) Information Technology (IT) asset management firms, IT refurbishers, component manufacturers and local industries to create a new design that has created a new use for their waste, thus turning wastes into resources. This has been made possible through (1) D4R product design features that facilitate integration of by-product materials and components into the manufacturing process, (2) the creation of an industrial network of suppliers and local assembly agencies permitting industrial metabolism of by-product materials and components into state of the art laptop products and (3) the creation of a resource exchange platform which increases visibility of by-products to be incorporated in newly manufactured systems. MicroPro Computers has successfully been able to manufacture a universal shell composed of a motherboard and a 6 cell lithium battery, encapsulated in a wooden housing structure. The shell is capable of accepting new laptop system components and also has the ability to integrate various diverse parts and components, and parts and components of different specifications. The proposed manufacturing model illustrates an entirely novel approach to industrial networking in computer manufacturing for the purpose of eliminating waste and creating valuable by-products.