Circularity of consumer electronics within Life Cycle Gap Analysis

Abstract

Life Cycle Gap Analysis (LCGA) interprets the LCA results of a product from a different perspective, focusing on circular economy thinking in order to identify potential for further improvement of the product life cycle’s environmental impacts. This study analyses and compares the LCA results of a smartphone and a notebook as two representative products for consumer electronics. Based on identified life cycle gaps of higher than 80 %, the study highlights the need to focus not only on the potential for improvement in manufacturing and use of consumer electronics, but also to shed light on end-of-life management and the effective closure of consumer electronics’ material and energy flows to foster circular economy and sustainability.