Fairly Traded
While it can’t be guaranteed that every element of the Fairphone has been fairly traded, it contains conflict-free tin and tantalum, which is a great start. They are dedicated to mapping their entire supply chain as far as is humanely possible, which means that they are constantly engaged with improving their practices. They are currently working on identifying ways to source conflict-free fairly mined gold particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and tungsten from Rwanda. They choose to focus on areas struggling with corruption and conflict so as to promote ethical mining and working practices and economic recovery and positive development in these war-torn areas.
Mapping where their suppliers are is an important first step in overhauling the industry, and is not something that we’re aware anyone else on the market is even doing yet.
In terms of where their phones are manufactured, Fairphone choose their production partners based on their willingness to work on social and environmental performance, as well as adhering to their technological requirements, of course. They seek partners who are willing to innovate and invest in worker welfare, and who are committed to transparency. China is one of the most important countries for consumer electronics production, and this is where Fairphones are made. With any production partners they engage with directly, they assess conditions at the factory themselves and identify areas they think need improvement.