There is no doubt that the pandemic has a considerable impact on our lives. All our daily activities, from work and studies to leisure have become highly dependent on electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). EEE has made it possible to increase the living standards worldwide.
Yet, it has also generated numerous socio-environmental challenges. The affordable prices of such equipment have increased its accessibility, which at the same time, however, has been making our way of consumption by far less sustainable. The increasing demand for EEE encourages companies to introduce a higher amount of products into the market, which later on will become e-waste (WEEE).
Before the pandemic, it was expected that electronic waste will become a global dilemma at some point. Recent data released by the UN's Global E-Waste Monitor shows that in 2019, the total weight of e-waste worldwide amounted to 53.6 million metric tons (Mt). The most alarming fact is that only 17.4% of the waste seems to be registered, collected, and recycled appropriately.
On a global scale, 78 countries have legislation or policies in effect that regulate the issue of e-waste. However, the previous figures show that recycling activities are not coping with the generation of waste and that there is still a long way to go.
1cc GmbH believes that it is possible to continue technological development in a sustainable manner. For that reason, we support our clients in designing their products eco-friendly and help them comply with the environmental e-waste standards in each of the countries they operate in. We are aware of the fact that legislations could become complicated, but that is why we offer our clients specific solutions adjusted to their needs.