WEAR SUSTAIN RESOURCES
**This is a living document, meaning it will continue to be updated and revised over the duration of the WEAR Sustain Project by the consortium members. Your additions, reviews and feedback on these resources is also of great value to us.
Contents:
(Click on the content title to drop down to the corresponding section below)
- Introduction
- WEAR Sustain Resources
- Suppliers
- Manufacturing
- Materials and Packaging
- Policy Makers and Independent Monitoring Organisations
- Guides and Resources
- Publications and Articles
- Other
(Please email sustain@wearsustain.eu to add material to this page)
1. Introduction |
In lieu of the development of a WEAR Sustainability Strategy, due in December 2018, this section contains a growing list of resources to aid those interested in integrating ethics and sustainability into their practice.
This guide is intended to support your project and provide contacts, suppliers and guidance on the resources that are available. Much of the information provided is from the UK, but can be applied to other European countries.
Sustainability:
There are many interpretations of Sustainability, but here are the ones WEAR sustain is working from:
WEAR sustain critical concerns towards sustainability include:
- The amount of data that wearable technologies capture, in particular their users’ personal data, raising ethical issues regarding ownership and processing of this data by the wearable technology manufacturers and service providers.
- The combined negative environmental, economic and sustainable impact of the of electronic, textiles and fashion industries on society. Ethical issues include poor labour practices and conditions within manufacturing, mineral sourcing and the supply chain.
Green growth and circular economy – Environment – European Commission
Eco-innovation in practice – Eco-innovation Action Plan – European Commission
Eco-innovation Action Plan – European Commission
Eco-innovation Action Plan Research Developments – European Commission
Here also is Wikipedia’s version:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability#Three_pillars_of_sustainability
2. WEAR Sustain Resources |
WEAR Sustain Glossary: Commonly used terms in and around “wearables”.
Smart Wearables: Reflection and Orientation Paper, created by the European Commission.
WEAR Sustain Talks & Videos: Selected talks from events and videos to support Open Call submissions.
Slides and presentations from our events across Europe .
WEAR Sustain Public Deliverables:
Public deliverables of the project.
WEAR Sustain Press Coverage:
WEAR Sustain, its funded projects, sustainability research and outputs are receiving media attention. Click here to see a selection of articles that have been written about our collective work.
3. Suppliers |
UK suppliers databases:
- New Electronics – UK suppliers database http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-suppliers/ A comprehensive list of the key suppliers, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry.
- New Electronics – UK Electronic Parts Assembly suppliers http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-suppliers/design-manufacturing-services/electronic-parts-assembly/614898/
- Free Index – Electronic Component Suppliers http://www.freeindex.co.uk/categories/industry/electronic_components/electronic_component_suppliers/
- Flextronics http://www.flextronics.com/InnovationServices/Pages/DesignEngineeringServices.aspx Flextronics a socially-responsible, global leader in design, manufacturing, distribution and aftermarket services, Flextronics is unique in its ability to provide end-to-end solutions through its innovative and proprietary systems — all to enhance customer competitiveness and success
NON-UK Suppliers:
- Fairphone – ethical electronics suppliers https://www.fairphone.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Fairphone-List-of-Suppliers_July2014.pdf This list of suppliers represents the first steps Fairphone made to uncover all of the materials included in the first edition Fairphone, as well as where they come from. A good model to follow and suppliers to contact.
- Intel – conflict free supply chain https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/corporate-responsibility/conflict-free-minerals.html
4. Manufacturing |
Ethical/Sustainable Manufacturers:
- Biome bioplastics UK – http://biomebioplastics.com/product-ranges/custom-blends/ Biome Bioplastics is one of the UK’s leading developers of intelligent, natural plastics.[For products manufacturing] We work with our customers on collaborative projects to deliver market-changing opportunities. Our specialist technical team can work with you to develop custom blends with properties to suit your exact requirements.
- Natureworks: Naturally Advanced Materials 3D Printing (US offshoot of Cargill) http://www.natureworksllc.com/Product-and-Applications/3D-Printing 3D Printing services for products using biomaterials
- Morlab is one of the most influential labs to provide accreditation for ICT manufacturing in China
Ethical/Sustainable German Manufacturers:
- Microtech GmbH At the traditional location Teltow near Berlin, Microtech manufactures thin- and thick-film chip resistors, SMD networks, temperature sensors and precision resistors and application-specific designs (signed the Code of Condact ZVEI and published Confirmation of environment)
UK manufacturers databases
- Reed Electronics Research focused on UK electronics manufacturing industry http://www.rer.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=18&product_id=85 (it costs money to purchase the lists)
- GlobalSources – Electronic Manufacturer and Suppliers http://www.globalsources.com/manufacturers/
- European Bioplastics – http://www.european-bioplastics.org/about-us/members-membership/members-list/ This is a list of manufacturers around the UK who use bioplastics
5. Materials and Packaging |
Casings for electronics
Eco-friendly Substitutes for Plastics:
- Casein-based plastic: a biodegradable plastic for furniture cushions, insulation, packaging and other products – to make the protein less susceptible to cracking, thanks to a silicate clay called sodium montmorillonite http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/5-plastic-substitutes.htm#page=4
- Chicken Feathers: composed almost entirely of keratin processed with methyl acrylate, a liquid found in nail polish makes a super strong biodegradable plastic http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331142204.htm
- Liquid wood: Biopolymers fake it; these materials look, feel and act just like plastic but, unlike petroleum-based plastic, they’re biodegradable. Manufacturers mix lignin, a byproduct of paper mills, with water, and then expose the mixture to serious heat and pressure to create a moldable composite material that’s strong and nontoxic. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/5-plastic-substitutes.htm#page=6
- Aliphatic (PCL Polyesters): polycaprolactone is a synthetic aliphatic polyester that isn’t made from renewable resources but does completely degrade after six weeks of composting. Blending PCL with cornstarch reduces cost. Biomedical devices and sutures are already made of the slow-degrading polymer, and tissue-engineering researchers dig it, too. It also has applications for food-contact products, such as trays. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/5-plastic-substitutes.htm#page=7
- PHA Polyesters: feed sugar to certain types of bacteria and you’ve got yourself a plastic production line. The two main members of which are polyhydroxybutrate (PHB) and polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV). These biodegradable plastics closely resemble man-made polypropylene. While they’re still less flexible than petroleum-based plastics, you’ll find them in packaging, plastic films and injection-molded bottles. Corn-steeped liquor, molasses and even activated sludge could all supply the sugar the bacteria need to produce the plastic. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/5-plastic-substitutes.htm#page=8
- PLA Polyesters: Polylactic acid, or PLA, is another aliphatic polyester and one that can be made from lactic acid, which is produced via starch fermentation during corn wet milling. Consumers may encounter PLA in bottles, bags and film; scientists are trying to make PLA stronger and more heat-resistant. This should open up new applications for the popular green plastic, from automotive parts to coffee cups. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/5-plastic-substitutes.htm#page=9
- Corn plastic: is polylactic acid (PLA) plastic made from specially processed crops. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/corn-plastic.htm
- Starch-based Polymers: As a totally biodegradable, low-cost, renewable and natural polymer, but has poor mechanical properties mean it has limited use for the sturdy products that plastics generate. To make completely biodegradable starch-based plastics, the components usually blended with starch are aliphatic polyesters, such as PLA and PCL, and polyvinyl alcohol. Adding in starch also shaves plastic manufacturing costs. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/5-plastic-substitutes.htm#page=10
- More on biodegradable plastics: http://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/do-we-need-biodegradable-plastics.htm
- Biome bioplastics UK – http://biomebioplastics.com Biome Bioplastics is one of the UK’s leading developers of intelligent, natural plastics. Our mission is to produce bioplastics that can challenge the dominance of oil-based polymers, and ultimately replace them completely. Bioplastics can be used in place of oil-derived equivalents for plastic casings and parts [for electronics]. They are plant derived and typically process at a lower temperature than conventional plastics, contributing to the overall sustainability of electronic products. More info here http://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/polymers/polymer-bio-based-degradables.aspx
- Meadex Rubber Mouldings: Corn http://www.meadex.co.uk/corn For a sample of such a product or to now more please contact us on 01989 567999 or sales@meadex.co.uk for silicone http://www.meadex.co.uk/silicone–fda-mouldings
- European Bioplastics – http://en.european-bioplastics.org/bioplastics/ Bioplastics can be processed into a vast number of products using conventional plastics processing technologies. Members of European Bioplastics include Huhtamaki and Innovia http://en.european-bioplastics.org/about-us/members-membership/members/
- Silicone Rubber – UK Based Silicone Rubber Manufacturers http://www.adpol.co.uk/products/uk-silicone-rubber-manufacturers/
- Conductive Silicone Rubber – http://www.adpol.co.uk/material-grades/conductive-silicone-rubber/
- UL: Extractives and Raw Materials Advisory Services http://services.ul.com/service/extractives-and-raw-materials-advisory-services/?ind=Responsible%20Sourcing and UK branch http://uk.ul.com UL helps companies design and implement measures to increase transparency when sourcing raw materials. Integrated with each client’s sourcing practices, UL assists customers in the establishment of meaningful due diligence for extractives… and other raw materials. PRODUCTS THIS SERVICE APPLIES TO: Apparel, textiles, dietary supplements, electronics, electrical, food and beverage, footwear, leather goods, general consumer merchandise, furniture, candle accessories, health and beauty care, household chemicals, jewelry, watches, OTC/pharmaceuticals, premiums and promotional products, store brands/private label, toys, nursery and children’s products.
- National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC) http://www.nnfcc.co.uk/#sthash.5FoHGnf3.dpuf NNFCC is a leading international consultancy based in York, UK, with expertise on the conversion of biomass to bioenergy, biofuels and biobased products. We view biobased technologies as key components of the low carbon economy delivering economic, social and environmental benefits.
Electronics
- Electronics Sourcing Magazine http://www.electronics-sourcing.com/uk/sensors-uk/ More reports and news on sourcing – not a lot in the way of lists for actual sources of e elctronics materials, but they have a UK Buyers Guide – these are general and not necessarily ethical or responsible companies, but are mostly in the UK, so generally have to adhere to UK environmental practices – here http://www.electronics-sourcing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ESUK-Buyers-Guide1.html
- Electronic Components http://www.electroniccomponents.org.uk We offer all our clients individually customized services. No matter what your requirement or industry type, we have the right kind of electrical component to suit your specific needs. (*This is a UK source of electronics components – BUT is NOT necessarily ethical or responsible*).
- UK Circuits – http://www.ukcircuits.co.uk One of the country’s fastest growing Contract Electronics Manufacturers.
Products
- VARTA – technology company VARTA Microbattery – rechargeable micro battery
- Steorn – technology company (Ireland) Product in development: self-charging battery “Orbo PowerCube” news on it here http://dispatchesfromthefuture.com and http://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/self-charging-battery-causes-a-stir-in-dublin-pub-test-1.2211622
- SunPartner Technologies – technology company. Product: Wysips® Crystal Technology – solar battery that produces electricity from a natural or artificial light source. It is ultrathin and transparent, so it can easily be incorporated into screens. http://sunpartnertechnologies.com/mobile-phone/mobilestablets/
- Nikola Labs – http://www.nikolalabs.co Kickstarter that got funded to use radio frequency harvesting technology https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nikolalabs/nikola-phone-case-power-your-phone-with-wasted-ene Here the press http://techcrunch.com/2015/05/04/nikola-labs-launches-iphone-6-case-which-harvests-electricity-from-the-air/ and http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/04/nikola-labs-radio-waves-charge-iphone/
- Hemp Plastic – http://www.hempplastic.com/
Packaging
- Biome bioplastics UK http://biomebioplastics.com/applications/ Our biopolymers are suitable for both short-life and disposable products, as well as long-life applications… Bioplastics provide an ideal solution, removing the environmental impact without removing the packaging. Our plant-based polymers compost at the end of their useful life. Our products include flexible films, coatings, high temperature range.
- London Bio Packaging – http://www.londonbiopackaging.com (partners with NatureWorks above) http://www.londonbiopackaging.com/about-our-products/our-materials/ Founded in 2005 London Bio Packaging is the original & leading supplier of compostable and recycled packaging to the food and catering industry. And, to complement our eco food packaging, we’re launching a range of eco-friendly cleaning products!
- National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC) – UK Renewable Packaging Group http://www.nnfcc.co.uk/bio-based-products/working-groups The UK Renewable Packaging Group is a working group designed to encourage the development of more sustainable materials and packaging.
- Ecopac – http://ecopac.co.uk/home/products/ In addition to our bespoke solutions, we maintain an extensive range of over 3000 stock products including corrugated cases, tapes, void fill, cushioning materials, bubble wrap, plastic sheets, bags and sacks, postal products, pallet wrap, protective foam, pallet boxes, dispensers, applicators, packing machines and ancillary products. Wherever possible we will offer our customers eco friendly packaging solutions that are re-useable, bio-degradable or recyclable. Any paper based packaging that can’t be manufactured from recycled papers is sourced from suppliers who use virgin pulp derived from managed and sustainable forests.
- NatureWorks: Naturally Advanced Materials (US offshoot of Cargill) – http://www.natureworksllc.com/Product-and-Applications/Folded-Cartons for boxes for films and bags http://www.natureworksllc.com/Product-and-Applications/Films
- Eco-Friendlypackaging.com (US company) http://eco-friendlypackaging.com/index.html Eco-Friendlypackaging.com uses paper made from a variety of plant fibers to develop products that are eco-friendly and sustainable. “Tree free” paper is made from a variety of plant fibers, including Cotton, Lotka, Areca palm leaf, and Zebra Bamboo. These materials are incorporated into the products we offer. For a variety of packaging including, jewelry boxes, jewelry hang tags and display cards, boxes for confections, stationery, personal care items, as well as tableware, and a complete line of specialty boxes, ribbons, containers and tags
6. Policy makers and Independent Monitoring Organisations |
- Data Ethics Group – The Alan Turing Institute: Understanding the ethical and societal implications of data is one of The Alan Turing Institute’s key research priorities. We have created the Data Ethics Group to lead our research in this area.Made up of academics specialising in ethics, social science, law, policy-making, and big data and algorithms, the Data Ethics Group drives the Institute’s research agenda in data ethics and works across the organisation to provide guidance on ethical best practice in data science.
Electronics Ethics
- Conflict Minerals | Enough Project that more widely looks to counter genocide and crimes against humanity, but also updates reports on conflict minerals.
- China Labor Watch CLW increases transparency of supply chains and factory labor conditions, advocates for workers’ rights, and supports the Chinese labor movement. Founded in 2000, China Labor Watch (CLW) is an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Over the past 14 years, CLW has collaborated with unions, labor organizations, and the media to conduct in-depth assessments of factories in China that produce toys, bikes, shoes, furniture, clothing, and electronics for some of the largest multinational brand companies.
- EICC, Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition and Code of Conduct The EICC was founded in 2004 by a small group of electronics companies seeking to create a industry-wide standard on social, environmental and ethical issues in the electronics industry supply chain. The founding members of the EICC – originally founded under the name “Electronic Industry Code of Conduct” – saw an opportunity to drive positive change and increase efficiency across the industry by creating a unified approach and ensuring that suppliers were held to a common standard.
- EICC Code of Conduct The EICC Code of Conduct is a set of standards on social, environmental and ethical issues in the electronics industry supply chain. The standards set out in the Code of Conduct reference international norms and standards including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO International Labor Standards, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, ISO and SA standards, and many more. The EICC Code of Conduct version 5.0 was ratified in 2014 and went into effect on April 1, 2015. Version 5.1, which includes the change referenced below, went into effect on Jan. 1, 2016.
- Helping companies make informed choices about conflict-free sourcing in their supply chains Founded in 2008 by members of the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI) has grown into one of the most utilized and respected resources for companies from a range of industries addressing responsible 3TG challenges in their supply chains.
- Electronics Watch Electronics Watch is an independent monitoring organisation that assists public sector buyers to meet their responsibility to protect the labour rights of workers in their global electronics supply chains more effectively and less expensively than any single public sector buyer could accomplish on its own.
- Good Electronics The GoodElectronics network brings together networks, organisations and individuals that are concerned about human rights and sustainability issues in the global electronics supply chain. Members include trade unions, grassroots organisations, campaigning and research organisations, academia and activists. GoodElectronics and its members are not-for-profit only.
- Ethical Trade Initiative The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe. Our vision is a world where all workers are free from exploitation and discrimination, and enjoy conditions of freedom, security and equity.
- EPA: Sustainable Electronics Management & Electronics Waste Stewardship Improved life cycle management of electronics, through source reduction of materials used, increasing reuse, refurbishing, extending the life of products, and recycling of electronics, can reduce the total quantity of waste that needs to be managed domestically and globally. The life cycle approach is aligned with EPA’s Waste Management Hierarchy. The hierarchy ranks the various management strategies from most environmentally preferred to the least and emphasizes reducing, reusing, and recycling as a key element in sustainable materials management.
- German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG)
The German Act governing the Sale, Return and Environmentally Sound Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment of 20 October 2015 (ElektroG) implements the legal obligation of producers of electrical and electronic equipment to assume responsibility for the end of life of their products. The aims of the Act are to:
— protect health and the environment against harmful substances from electrical and electronic equipment, an
— reduce the amount of waste through recovery or recycling.
- Stiftung EAR – national register for waste electric equipment (Germany) The national register for waste electric equipment (stiftung ear) was founded by producers as their Clearing House (Gemeinsame Stelle) for the purposes of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). Entrusted with sovereign rights by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), stiftung ear registers the producers of electrical and electronic equipment and coordinates the provision of containers for public exchange facilities and the pick-up of electrical and electronic waste equipment at the örE (public waste disposal authorities) in the whole of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Centre Testing International (CTI) http://cti-cert.co.uk/Electrical%20and%20Electronic.htmlCTI – is the leading independent third party assessment organisation specialising in; testing, calibration, inspection, certification, and technical services, providing a one-stop solution for clients of all types and sizes. CTI can help to safeguard its clients, providing product safety testing and evaluation and a complete range of quality assurance services.
- Gov.uk – https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-enterprise/manufacturing Manufacturers, importers and distributors: your responsibilities
- The ElecTech Council http://electechuk.net/ The ElecTech Council defines the direction of the strategic blueprint for the industry, based on the findings of the ESCO report.
- techUK http://www.techuk.org/focus/programmes/electronics and techUK’s e-net http://www.techuk-e.net/Overview/tabid/3426/Default.aspx
— OpenInnovation programme http://www.techuk-e.net/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=896&PortalId=0&TabId=2200 techUK’s electronics network programme supports the UK’s electronics industry by providing access to markets and funding and improving competitiveness.
- FundMap http://www.fundmap.co.uk/ektn/detail.asp?schemeid=1207&rss=-1 Manufacturing Electronic System’s funding for organisations, SMEs, Multinationals and Academia
7. Guides and Resources |
- Crowdfunding Guide https://www.theupeffect.com/what-is-crowdfunding
- IHS Electronics Industry Products and Solutions https://www.ihs.com/industry/electronics.html IHS helps technology companies optimise product portfolio and align solutions to customer needs. We simplify strategic and day-to-day decisions through analytical database tools, cost models, equipment teardowns, research reports and analyst insights—at the geographic, industry and company level. Data is reconciled using supply and demand dynamics up and down the value chain, and accounts for adjacent global, economic and market factors impacting the technology space. Analysis covers intellectual property, technology adoption trends, company strategies and end-to-end supply base-cost drivers.
- info4education https://www.ihs.com/info/st/e/info4education.html A complete reference source for students, graduates and academic professionals who need efficient and current access to British Standards, legislation and other guidance information related to the construction, health and safety, engineering, process and electronics industries.
- Startups.co.uk – “Most ethical technology suppliers named” (2013) http://startups.co.uk/most-ethical-technology-suppliers-named/ A new report published by the Ethical Company Organisation will make it easier for businesses to invest in the most ethical technology. The report, entitled The Good Office Guide, assesses the environmental and ethical credentials of different technology suppliers in order to assist business owners in their purchasing decisions.
- Ethical Corporation – http://www.ethicalcorp.com Business intelligence to help businesses around the globe do the right thing by their customers and the world.
- Engineers, philosophers and sociologists release ethical design guidelines for future technology
- ZVEI Code of Conduct Application of the ZVEI Code of Conduct is voluntary. It is intended as a model for enterprises’ own declarations to their customers, or for requests to suppliers for equivalent declarations.
- Electronics Goes Green World’s leading conference on electronics & the environment, organised by Fraunhofer IZM (Berlin). Meeting point for business developers, technology experts, researchers and policy designers.
- Ecolabels in Germany Alphabetical index of 102 ecolabels.
- Code of Business Practices http://www.toy-icti.org/info/codeofbusinesspractices.html
- ISO (International Organization for Standardization) – ISO 26000 – Social responsibility http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/iso26000.htm
- Gov.uk – Battery waste retailer and distributor responsibilities https://www.gov.uk/battery-waste-supplier-reponsibilities
- Environment agency UK – National Packaging Waste Database on batteries – http://npwd.environment-agency.gov.uk/Public/BatteriesHome.aspx
- Environment agency UK – National Packaging Waste Database on packaging – http://npwd.environment-agency.gov.uk/Public/PackagingHome.aspx
- Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-waste-and-recycling/2010-to-2015-government-policy-waste-and-recycling#appendix-7-packaging-waste—producer-responsibility-regimes
- Gov.uk – Electrical waste: retailer and distributor responsibilities https://www.gov.uk/electricalwaste-producer-supplier-responsibilities
- icix https://www.icix.com/industries/high-tech-manufacturing/ icix helps many of the world’s largest companies to effectively and efficiently manage risk across their global supply chains. Ethical sourcing https://www.icix.com/cloud-apps/sustainability/ethical-sourcing/ http://cips.org/Documents/About%20CIPS/News/ten-tips.pdf
- Creativeworks London White Paper – Using Intellectual Property in the Creative Industries Chris Reed and Maria Anagnostopoulou http://www.creativeworkslondon.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/White-Paper-Using-Intellectual-Property-in-the-Creative-Industries.pdf
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https://www.ethical.org.au/3.4.2/get-informed/shop-ethical-electronics/
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From Waste to Resource Productivity (UK GOV) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/from-waste-to-resource-productivity
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5 Principles for the wearable revolution
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10 design principles of sustainable wearables? https://principles.design/examples/the-10-principles-of-successful-lean-product-team
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Business Sustainability:
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https://baptistworldaid.org.au/resources/ethical-electronics-guide/
- http://openenergymonitor.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/ethical-and-sustainable-electronics.html
- How to measure (from https://www.care2.com/greenliving/how-to-evaluate-a-companys-ethical-and-sustainable-impact.html ):
- Company Transparency – Reporting methods, audits, openness.
- Environmental Impact – Use of raw or conflict materials, carbon footprint, sustainability, eco-friendly labelling system
- Labor Rights – Ethical working conditions, fair pay, fair trade.
- Women’s Rights – Prevention of sexual harassment, equal pay.
- Social Impact – Doing good beyond the minimum, corporate social responsibility.
- Chemical Use – Organic material, pesticides, chemical dyes, preservatives.
- Waste – Discarded material, recycling programs, landfill, chemical run-off.
- Natural Resources – Water conservation, forest preservation.
- Ethical UK Company http://www.ukcircuits.co.ukethical sourcing and sustainability throughout our supply chain.
- http://www.it-green.co.uk/uk_business_recycling/ethical-computer-disposal/
- http://www.ethicalcorp.com/supply-chains
8. Publications and Articles |
- What is sustainability…and what does this mean for the design of wearable electronic textiles? http://www.kobakant.at/KOBA/what-is-sustainability/
- The ethical impact of data science compiled and edited by Mariarosaria Taddeo and Luciano Floridi
- 25: Textile electronic circuits based on organic fibrous transistors – Smart Textiles and their ApplicationsSmart Textiles and their Applications, 2016, SEE PAGES 569-598
- A review on membrane engineering for innovation in wearable fabrics and protective textiles Journal of Membrane Science, Volume 446, 1 November 2013, Pages 350-375
- TRIZ Innovative Design Method for Eco-leasing Type Product Service Systems Procedia CIRP, Volume 15, 2014, Pages 391-394
- Green supply chain management and firms’ performance: Understanding potential relationships and the role of green sourcing and some other green practices. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Volume 104, Part B, November 2015, Pages 366-374
- Structural optimization strategies to design green products Computers in Industry, Volume 65, Issue 3, April 2014, Pages 470-479
- New Electronics http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-technology/choosing-and-working-with-the-right-manufacturing-partner/53101/ Article on choosing the right manufacturing partner
- Extreme tech http://www.extremetech.com/tag/batteries It has the latest news on batteries for the tech industry such as holographic microbattery – 3D printed http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/205764-this-holographic-microbattery-is-just-10-micrometers-thick see also Doping lithium-ion batteries http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/208888-doping-lithium-ion-batteries-could-prevent-overheating-and-explosion
- Pocket-lint – Tech News, Future Batteries review http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/130380-future-batteries-coming-soon-charge-in-seconds-last-months-and-power-over-the-air
- Science Daily – the latest science research news such as “New lithium ion battery is safer, tougher, and more powerful” (July 2015) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150703072749.htm
- PR Newswire – online news company “Flexible, Printed and Thin Film Batteries 2015-2025: Technologies, Forecasts, Players” http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flexible-printed-and-thin-film-batteries-2015-2025-technologies-forecasts-players-300089728.html
- IDTechEx
— Batteries and Fuel Cells http://www.idtechex.com/reports/topics/batteries-and-fuel-cells-000032.asp
— Supercapacitors http://www.idtechex.com/reports/topics/supercapacitors-000031.asp
— A report on new battery applications in wearable devices, healthcare and cosmetics, Internet of Things, RFID, smart packaging and more (June 2015) http://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/flexible-printed-and-thin-film-batteries-2015-2025-technologies-forecasts-players-000410.asp
— A report on Supercapacitor Materials 2015-2025: Formulations, Forecasts, Roadmap, Companies Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitors: Companies, roadmap, forecasts and formulations (Dec 2014) http://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/supercapacitor-materials-2015-2025-formulations-forecasts-roadmap-companies-000400.asp
- Update on the EU Conflict Minerals Legislative Proposal: http://www.esco.org.uk/download/Conflict%20Minerals%20Presentation%2003%20Jun%2015.pdf This proposal seeks to address trade in minerals derived under duress and that perpetuate conflicts as they pertain to the electronics industry
- Ethics Issues Prevail in Supply Chain Management — My Purchasing Center Article on ethics issues in supply chain management
- Principles for responsible metals supply to electronics- Social Responsibility Journal- Vol 6, No 1 This paper reviews the literature on incorporation of corporate social responsibility in supply chain management. It then examines how metals are mined, traded and used in electronics, as well as how the mining industry has been managing its own socio‐environmental problems
- Engineers, philosophers and sociologists release ethical design guidelines for future technology – A report released by the world’s largest technical professional organisation is designed to help humanity avoid a robot apocalypse.
9. Other |