In a world where sustainability and ethical production are becoming increasingly important, finding a smartphone that aligns with these values has been a challenge—until now. Human Mobile Devices (HMD) is a key player in this space, manufacturing smartphones with sustainability and ethical practices in mind. From ensuring fair wages and positive working conditions for their staff to championing self-repairability and utilizing recycled materials, HMD is demonstrating a strong commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
HMD's comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and responsible sourcing reflects a strong commitment to people and the planet. The company recently achieved Ecovadis Platinum status for the third consecutive year, ranking in the top 1% of businesses evaluated by Ecovadis.
This collaboration with Onecom ensures that you have access to cutting-edge technology that you can feel good about using. Discover more about how HMD is transforming the smartphone landscape:
Made in Europe
HMD has responded to the growing interest among customers for devices manufactured in Europe by establishing its first major smartphone manufacturing facility in the region. The launch of the Nokia XR21 5G smartphone marks a significant milestone in this initiative, as HMD aims to cater to the demands of consumers who value products made locally.
The storage and processing of customer data collected from HMD’s global phone and tablet device variants is centralized on a Google Cloud Platform based in Finland, complying with the GDPR requirements.
Made to Last: Self-Repairability
Did you know increasing the useful life expectancy of electronic devices by 50%–100% can mitigate up to half of the total GHG emissions?¹ And that eight in ten (77%) of EU citizens would prefer repairing rather than buying new goods?2 Every 1 in 4 smartphones sold by HMD in Europe in 2023 was repairable—and that number is projected to grow to every 3 in 4 smartphones. 3 Using innovative repair kits from iFixit, users have the ability to replace a screen in under 20 minutes and change a battery in five minutes.4
With HMD's latest smartphone, HMD Skyline, the company debuts a new era in smartphone design called Gen2 Repairability. This innovation allows user-friendly, at-home repairs by simply turning one screw to open the back cover using a screwdriver and a guitar pick.5
Made from Recycled Materials
In 2023, HMD began to sell recycled smartphones in the United Kingdom. Many of HMD’s phones are designed to be 100% recyclable. For example, the Nokia G42 5G uses materials that can be recovered during the appropriate recycling processes when the product is at the end-of-life. Ultimately, this helps to reduce e-waste and support sustainability efforts.
HMD considers recycling at every stage, from the construction of their smartphones to the packaging. They have several recycling programs that enable the reuse of raw materials and sometimes even entire working components. The company’s goal is to give old materials new life.
Tackling Greenhouse Gas
HMD has consistently been ambitious with their greenhouse gas targets, promising to cut their emissions by 42% by 2030, and ultimately to reach their goal of attaining net zero emissions by 2050.6 In late 2023, the SBTi validated HMD's Scope 1, 2, and 3 targets, confirming that their goals align with the 1.5°C pathway.7 This approval underscores HMD's proactive approach to climate action and commitment to sustainable practices.
By meticulously focusing on their energy use, water consumption, and waste reporting, they have a refreshingly proactive approach to climate action. Helping you do your bit by knowing your suppliers prioritize people and the environment.
Responsible Sourcing
Having a phone made from responsible raw materials is crucial for any people-focused business. By carefully reviewing its sourcing strategy, HMD worked with the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative to help improve traceability and transparency among suppliers. As a result, in 2023 HMD achieved 100% compliance with their Conflict Mineral Reporting Template (CMRT) for every smartphone and tablet model.8
Sustainability at Every Stage
Sustainability is at the heart of HMD. Their trade-in program not only helps consumers get access to the latest devices, but it also helps reduce e-waste by effectively recycling any trade-ins so those materials can be used again. HMD has also funded the planting of over 500,000 trees through its partnership with Ecologi.9 By upholding environmental transparency and accountability from each segment of the supply chain, HMD has a unique commitment to reducing waste, treating staff fairly, and using ethical suppliers.
You can read more about HMD’s sustainability goals and achievements in the 2024 sustainability report.
Onecom’s unique relationship with HMD gives our customers access to the best technology and expertise when you need it most—speak to your account manager, or talk to the Onecom team today on 03330 151513.
1. Circular Economy Study 2022
2. European Commission Study
3. https://www.hmd.com/en_us/press/mwc-2024-announcements-press-release HMD Sustainability Progress Report 2024, page 34
4. Self-repair support is available through iFixit in select markets. Details available at https://www.hmd.com/self-repair
5. HMD Sustainability Progress Report 2024, page 14
6. HMD Sustainability Progress Report 2024, page 76
7. HMD Sustainability Progress Report 2024, page 82
8. HMD Sustainability Progress Report 2024, page 13