Vodafone Ireland and Fairphone Launch Ireland’s First Sustainable Smartphone

Vodafone Ireland has joined forces with Fairtrade smartphone company, Fairphone, to launch the first sustainable smartphone in the Irish market. The ethical, reliable and sustainable handset is manufactured from responsibly sourced, conflict-free tin and tungsten, recycled copper and plastics, and gold sourced by Fairtrade.

To complement this, Vodafone Ireland has also announced the arrival of an eco-friendly accessory range under the label ‘Red Loves Green’ which are 100% biodegradable and made from recycled materials such as reused ocean plastic and sustainably sourced bamboo.

Vodafone’s purpose is to improve the lives of 1 billion people while halving its environmental impact by 2025. The company has committed to halving its carbon footprint and purchasing all electricity from renewable sources by 2025, reusing, reselling or recycling 100% of its network waste, and helping customers extend the lives of the devices they already own. Today’s launch of Ireland’s first sustainable phone and eco-friendly accessories is one way in which Vodafone is delivering against its commitment.

Fairphone 3

The launch of Fairphone is an exciting development for eco conscious consumers who are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint by replacing their phone less often.  Designed according to the principals of fair trade, the Fairphone 3 is a modular phone that enables the owner to replace seven individual components of the phone when in need of repair, such a new display, battery or speaker, or to upgrade it with the latest camera as new technologies are developed.  This ensures the phone lasts longer for customers without compromising on functionality.  In addition to this, the device is made using 40% recycled plastics.

The phone which works on Android OS provides an exceptional performance and includes 64 GB of memory expandable up to 256 GB with a MicroSD card**  is available in-store and online from today, and is available on Pay As You Go from €429 and Bill Pay from FREE* and comes in reusable packaging

‘Red Loves Green’

The eco-friendly ‘Red Loves Green’ accessory range, includes the Muvit BambooTek and RecycleTek*** phone covers, available exclusively to Vodafone. The covers are 100% biodegradable and made from recycled materials such as reused plastic and sustainably sourced bamboo.

Included in the eco-friendly accessory range are phone covers for all major handsets, priced from €24.90, as well as charging banks and docks available from early 2020. All products are made from sustainable materials and come in plastic-free packaging.

Jean-Christophe Langer, Head of Devices at Vodafone Ireland, said: “At Vodafone we are seriously committed to becoming a more environmentally responsible business. We want to be at the forefront of change, to improve the society we live in and provide a brighter future for our children.  This means not only tackling issues like our carbon footprint and e-waste, but also giving customers the option to purchase more sustainable products.

“Vodafone Ireland is delighted to the first operator to launch a sustainable handset in the market, and to be on this journey with our new partner Fairphone.  We are excited by the opportunity to make this unique and ethically sound handset available to Irish consumers. Along with our new eco-friendly accessories, we’re enabling consumers to make environmentally conscious choices when it comes to smartphones and technology, whilst also enjoying Ireland’s best mobile network.”

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