Best Practice for Right to Repair and Supply Chain Regulations: High-reparability Modular Smartphone Usage Model Mitigates Environmental Hotspots

Abstract

Two-thirds of the global population own mobile phones or smartphones. Yet their short service life—often limited to just a few years—leads to frequent replacements, excessive raw material consumption, and rising electronic waste. This study evaluates the environmental benefits of a highly modular and repairable smartphone, based on real-world usage. Compared to conventional smartphones with an average lifespan of 2.5 years, this device achieves a lifespan of five years, enabled by user engagement and a modular design that facilitates easy repairs. This finding is substantiated by customer surveys. Verified through manufacturer data, our life cycle assessment reveals a 40% reduction in climate emissions, energy use, material consumption, water usage, and land occupation. A high-resolution hotspot analysis reveals significant reductions in environmental impacts along the supply chain, particularly in mining and energy-intensive processes. The advanced usage model—aligns with the European Commission’s “Right to Re-pair” and supply chain legislations—provides a scalable best-practice example to enhance smartphone sustainability and alleviate global supply chain pressures.