We all expect the latest tech to be faster, thinner, and smarter, but we should also expect it to be more efficient and sustainable over the long term. While we have a long way to go, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future of laptops and PCs thanks to these five positive trends.
Experiments in Modularity and Repairability
The trend of soldering more components to the motherboard in laptops has made repairs and upgrades more difficult. However, there’s a growing movement towards repairability. Dell’s Concept Luna aims for circular design, allowing laptops to be completely disassembled without tools in minutes, making nearly every component reusable or recyclable. Framework laptops are another example, offering modular designs that allow users to easily replace parts, including the motherboard and CPU, for upgrades. This approach signifies a shift towards more sustainable and user-friendly designs.
Recycled Aluminum and Other Materials
The use of recycled materials in laptops has significantly increased. Apple led the way with 100% recycled aluminum in the MacBook Air in 2018, and other manufacturers like Lenovo, Dell, and HP have followed suit. HP now uses recycled materials in all its PCs and monitors, with some models containing up to 90% recycled magnesium. Using recycled materials not only reduces waste but also lowers emissions. While there’s room for improvement, companies are making strides towards using more recycled materials across all components.
New Grading Standards for Desktop PCs
Intel has launched a Green PC grading standard in China to encourage the use of recyclable materials and reduce emissions throughout the production process. This initiative evaluates factors like design, production, and recyclability, awarding Bronze, Silver, and Gold ratings to PCs based on their sustainability performance. The standard aims to push manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices and provide consumers with clear information about a PC’s environmental impact.
Better Efficiency and Longer Batteries
The transition to Arm processors is driving a significant efficiency revolution in laptops. Apple has already moved to Apple Silicon Arm chips, and Windows devices are following suit with Copilot+ PCs. Arm chips are incredibly efficient, requiring less power to achieve the same performance, resulting in longer battery life. This means less energy consumption and a reduced environmental footprint. While adoption of Arm processors is still in its early stages, it holds great promise for a more sustainable future for laptops.
Packaging
The tech industry has made significant progress in reducing packaging waste. Manufacturers are moving away from glossy plastics and towards recyclable materials, with a focus on fiber-based packaging. Apple, for example, uses 100% fiber-based packaging for its MacBook Pro 14-inch, which includes recycled content and natural fibers. Lenovo has also committed to eliminating plastic from packaging, using bamboo fiber and other materials in its flagship ThinkPad laptops. This shift towards more sustainable packaging practices demonstrates a commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of tech products.
Despite the challenges posed by e-waste, the trends outlined above demonstrate that the PC industry is actively pursuing a more sustainable future. By embracing modularity, utilizing recycled materials, adopting new grading standards, improving efficiency, and reducing packaging waste, manufacturers are working towards making laptops and PCs a more positive force in the world.
