New ‘one million phones for the planet’ programme launched to support circular economy drive.
Vodafone and WWF have announced a major global partnership that will support Vodafone’s goals to reduce carbon emissions to ‘net zero’ by 2040, help to eliminate e-waste, and encourage a more circular economy for mobile phones.
The partnership launches with a new programme – one million phones for the planet – to help accelerate and refine Vodafone’s circular economy strategy by increasing the number of traded-in, refurbished and recycled devices.
Purchasing a refurbished smartphone saves around 50kg of CO2e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent) – making its contribution to climate change 87% lower than that of the equivalent, newly manufactured smartphone – and removes the need to extract 76.9 kg of raw materials.*
The programme will inspire Vodafone’s customers to hand in their old devices as part of a trade-in, for a donation to social causes, or to be recycled responsibly. Starting from 22 November 2022, every phone collected during the programme will see £1 donated by Vodafone to WWF conservation projects across the world.
Nick Read, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, said: “WWF and Vodafone strongly believe that we can all make greener choices about how we use technology.
“Our partnership with WWF will create new initiatives to encourage our customers to take actions that could help reduce their carbon emissions and reduce pressure on the planet’s natural resources.”
Tanya Steele, Chief Executive of WWF-UK, said: “Every one of us has a role to play in helping to bring our world back to life, and the technology we use every day can play a major role in tackling the climate and nature emergency.
“Through our partnership with Vodafone, we will be exploring how everyone can reduce their environmental footprint using digital technologies and services, while also using mobile technology to drive forward key WWF conservation projects around the world.
“We look forward to working together on our shared vision for the planet.”
Sustainable choices
Vodafone’s three-year partnership with WWF will see strategic initiatives launched across Vodafone markets in Europe and Africa. These will include apps to help Vodafone customers make more sustainable choices, as well as projects that use mobile technology to help address conservation and sustainability challenges. Vodafone will harness WWF’s global network of expertise in environmental issues and international capability for leading the fight against the climate and nature emergency.
Already in the UK, Vodafone’s customers can access circular services, such as a market-leading digital platform with trade-in options, plus insurance and repair services to help them keep their handsets for longer.
Vodafone also helps consumers and businesses give unwanted phones and tablets a second life through its Great British Tech Appeal; and its stores accept electronic waste, such as phones, tablets and accessories to be responsibly recycled.
Vodafone recently launched a new refurbished phone range following research** which found that 73% of respondents would now consider buying a refurbished phone to save money and 55% for environmental reasons. Vodafone youth brand VOXI has launched its own refurbished phone range today, with savings to be made across ‘Great’ and ‘Like New’ conditioned devices. Visit the VOXI website for more details.
Vodafone believes business success should not come at a cost to the environment and is committed to reducing the impact of the company’s activities. Vodafone’s digital networks and technologies are a key enabler in helping to address climate change by saving energy, using natural resources more efficiently and creating a more circular economy.
