{"id":22402,"date":"2025-10-29T12:51:23","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T12:51:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/public-policy\/mobile-policy-handbook\/?p=22402"},"modified":"2025-10-29T12:51:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T12:51:24","slug":"sustainable-supply-chain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/public-policy\/mobile-policy-handbook\/mobile-initiatives\/sustainable-supply-chain\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainable Supply Chain"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n

Background<\/h3>\n

One of the biggest environmental impacts of the mobile industry is the manufacturing and use of devices and equipment. Although mobile phones and network equipment account for a small proportion of overall e-waste by weight, they can have a bigger impact than other waste streams because of the rare earth minerals and metals they contain.<\/p>\n

By moving away from linear business models of mine-manufacture-use-dispose and towards more circular business models that repair, reuse and recycle equipment, the industry can become more  environmentally sustainable. This is because circular business models harness the materials in unwanted equipment for other uses rather than treating everything as waste.<\/p>\n

The benefits of a circular economy and the need for it are undeniable. While the industry is mainly adopting circular economy practices through separate initiatives, the GSMA has created a strategy that outlines opportunities to create a global and unified vision for the whole ecosystem.<\/p>\n

The strategic vision is underpinned by two principles: increasing the longevity of devices and equipment and sending zero waste to landfill.<\/p>\n

Mobile companies are actively engaging in and supporting new e-waste policies and legislation around the world and creating reverse logistics supply chains to manage the flow of equipment for recycling. Leading operators are also boosting take-back schemes for unwanted mobile phones and sending zero waste to landfill.<\/p>\n

Debate<\/h3>\n

Could investment in innovative technology <\/em>reduce waste and recover precious materials, advancing more of the SDGs?<\/em><\/p>\n

How can governments and industry collaborate to enhance the longevity of mobile devices and equipment?<\/em><\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

Industry position<\/h3>\n

Governments can facilitate the transition to a circular economy by implementing policies that promote resource efficiency, innovation, solutions and standards.<\/p>\n

The mobile industry calls on governments to:<\/p>\n