What's in your device?

Discover here what materials your smartphone, laptop or tablet is made of to understand why it is so important to use these devices for as long as possible and then recycle them responsibly.

Composition of typical devices
Smartphones, laptops and tablets are complex devices made of a variety of materials, including:

Metals
Many devices contain valuable metals such as gold, silver and copper, which are used in fasteners and printed circuit boards. Rare metals such as tantalum and indium are also essential components for the functionality of displays and processors.

Plastic
Plastic is commonly used for casings and as insulation in cables. Although plastics are lightweight and durable, they result from petroleum-based sources, which causes environmental pollution.

Glass and ceramics

The display in particular is usually made of special, hardened glass that is difficult to recycle. Ceramic materials are found in microchips and sensors.

Rare earths
These elements are critical for colour display on screens and for the function of magnets in loudspeakers and small motors. The challenge is rather that the extraction and processing of these elements is environmentally and labour intensive and often takes place in geographically concentrated areas, which carries political and economic risks. China, for example, controls a significant share of the world's rare earth production, which can lead to supply concerns in other countries.

Your role in protecting the environment
The extraction and processing of these materials is often costly and harmful to the environment. By extending the lifespan of your devices and then recycling them, you help to reduce the demand for new raw materials. This not only conserves natural resources, but also reduces environmental pollution and supports the circular economy.