Ecodesign preparatory study on mobile phones, smartphones and tablets

According to the Ecodesign Working plan 2016-19, "Given their specificity, a separate track is proposed for ICT products ..., that will also fully take into account their circular economy potential, which is particularly relevant in the case of mobile / smart phones". Within this context, DG GROW launched this preparatory study on mobile phones, smartphones and tablets in order to assess the feasibility of proposing Ecodesign and/or Energy Labelling requirements for these product groups. Preparatory studies aim to assess and specify generic or specific ecodesign measures for improving the environmental performance of a defined product group, sometimes in combination with energy label criteria. The ecodesign preparatory studies therefore provide the scientific foundation for defining these generic and/or specific ecodesign requirements as well as energy labelling criteria. The overall objective is to clearly define the product scope, analyse the current environmental impacts of these products and related systems (extended product scope) and assess the existing improvement potential of any measures. In particular, aspects relevant to the circular economy, are in the scope. The central element of the MEErP (Kemna 2011; Mudgal et al. 2013), being the underlying assessment methodology, is to prioritise today’s possible improvement options from a Least Life Cycle Cost (LLCC) perspective. Identification of the improvement options are based on possible design innovations, Best Available Technologies (BAT) for the short term and Best Not yet Available Technologies (BNAT) for long term, which can help in mitigating the impacts of these products. Policy options are assessed through a scenario analysis and the different outcomes have to be evaluated from the perspective of the EU targets, taking into account potential impacts on the competitiveness of enterprises in the EU and on the consumers.