The production chain of electronic products and devices European Economics Education Conference 2008 Tim Steinweg – makeITfair/SOMO

Who are we? makeITfair Consortium of European NGOs Netherlands, Germany, Finland, Sweden and Poland Focus on sustainability in the entire production chain

What do we do? Research into the supply chain and sustainability issues Dialogue with electronic companies Awareness raising of young consumers

The production chain Extraction Production Retail Consumption Disposal

Extraction: Where does it come from? Electronics industry is a major consumer of various metals Mining occurs worldwide, many metals come from Africa Stressing environmental, social and labour issues

Production: Who makes these products? Production in China Small number of contract manufacturers Young rural women Issues: –low wages –forced overtime –no representation

Retail Big brand companies High level of outsourcing Apply pressure throughout the chain Supply chain responsibility

Consumption Short lifespan of products Limited awareness of issues Market research –Young consumers in Europe willing to pay more for ‘fair trade’ electronics –No alternatives

Disposal Left in the kitchen drawer E-waste –Detrimental effects on environment and communities in developing countries Recycling –Reduces waste –Reduces demand for raw materials –Needs to be done sustainably

Dialogue with companies Questionnaire Research reports →→ International roundtable →→ List of principles →→ Industry response →→ Follow up

Awareness raising Educational material –Developed for makeITfair by AliceO –Relevance for social studies, geography and economy –14 to 16 year olds

Educational material Webquest →→ Quiz →→ Develop a label In-class debates