A new report by Trojan Electronics, titled Who is responsible for introducing new circular initiatives? driven by insights from the newly formed CLEAR (Circular Leaders in Electronics and Appliance Repair), highlights the roles of government, manufacturers, and consumers in championing circular practices and explores how these stakeholders can work together to reduce e-waste and enhance sustainability.

CLEAR, a trade body established to bring electrical leaders together, has initiated conversations about best practices and shared accountability in addressing the environmental challenges posed by electronic waste.

The group’s commissioned research incorporates consumer data, industry insights, and member expertise to assess the current state of circularity and identify innovative strategies for improvement.

“We have a collective obligation to secure the future of our planet. While there are many discussions about sustainability in all sectors, we have to be honest with ourselves and ask if the electronics industry is doing enough,” said James Rigg, CEO of Trojan Electronics and chair of CLEAR.

“As the government pushes back its sustainability targets, our green efforts cannot afford to be delayed.

“But who is responsible for this change? I believe only a joint effort by electronics firms, policymakers, and consumers can bring about genuine and lasting change. By joining forces, leaders in the consumer electrical sector can ignite discussion, encourage true
change and drive circular initiatives that are adopted across the world”

A Snapshot of Consumer Sentiment

The research reveals significant consumer dissatisfaction with current efforts to improve sustainability in electronics. A survey of 202 individuals underscores a clear call for action:

The majority of people feel the UK government is falling short in promoting sustainability in electronics, with 85% expressing this concern. Meanwhile, 89% believe manufacturers should be required to allow third-party refurbishment and repair of their products.

Over half (56%) point to the high cost of repairs as a significant barrier to fixing broken electronics. However, many consumers recognize their role in supporting circularity – 82% agree they have a responsibility, and 74% are willing to recycle unused electronic items.

There’s also strong support for initiatives to make recycling easier and more transparent. Ninety percent would welcome curbside electronic waste recycling, while 91% back a traffic light labeling system to indicate manufacturers’ environmental impact.

The Government’s Role: Policies and Incentives

With the UK ranking as the world’s second-highest producer of e-waste per capita, the government’s involvement is crucial to driving meaningful change. The report emphasizes the need for stronger policies to reduce reliance on finite resources, encourage reuse, and foster recycling initiatives.

Survey respondents outlined specific priorities for improving sustainability in electronics. A third (33%) believe the government should focus on increasing the repairability and lifespan of electronic products, while 24% suggest incentivizing manufacturers and retailers to collect and reuse electronic goods. Additionally, 22% advocate for policies that encourage product longevity and better recycling practices.

Affordability was also a key concern, with 91% supporting the removal of VAT on spare parts and repair labour to make repairs more accessible.

Rigg continued: “Policymakers also have the ability to remove VAT on the repaired product when it is resold as typically there is no further value added. Instead, the electrical item is taxed twice.

“The removal of VAT stops this and makes the refurbished item more affordable, something that would be greatly appreciated in the current cost-of-living crisis. Reducing VAT on electrical spares and repairs isn’t a revolutionary move for a government. Austria and France have already introduced schemes to subsidise the cost of electrical repairs in recent years.

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“The UK government would simply be following suit as it lags behind its continental counterparts.”

Government-led green initiatives would also have a secondary benefit, job creation. Research from Green Alliance suggests the zeroing of VAT could contribute up to 34,000 jobs in the repair sector and 312,000 in remanufacturing, boosting the circular repair economy.

Rigg concluded: “If we can extend the useful life of a small electronic item e.g. a mobile phone by one year, that’s a 33% increase in its longevity. Currently, smartphones have on average just a three-year life, so extending it by a year means a third less e-waste, including finite materials and toxic substances are used.

“Small changes can have a significant impact on circularity impacts and a huge knock-on effect on sustainability efforts.”