How green electronics are reshaping global manufacturing

Sustainability is now a core principle in electronics manufacturing. With the market for green electronics projected to grow from $12.9 billion in 2024 to $24.2 billion by 2032, the industry is realigning itself to meet environmental goals and respond to rising consumer scrutiny.

This growth reflects a convergence of regulation, growing concern over electronic waste, and shifts in corporate strategy.

Governments are enforcing more aggressive environmental standards, and companies are committing to cleaner supply chains and product lifecycles.

What is driving the growth of green electronics manufacturing

Several forces are shaping the expansion of this market. Regulatory pressure is central.

The European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directives have become international models. Similar laws are emerging in Asia, North America and Australia.

At the same time, consumers are changing how they evaluate devices. Environmental impact now weighs alongside performance and price. A product’s carbon footprint, materials sourcing and repairability are increasingly factored into purchase decisions.

Technology has also made greener manufacturing more viable. Companies are shifting to recycled plastics, lead-free solders and low-impact adhesives.

Biodegradable substrates and energy-efficient chipsets are becoming more common in mainstream production.

How Apple and Samsung are changing electronics from the inside out

Major firms are helping lead the change. Apple aims to make its entire supply chain carbon neutral by 2030.

It already uses 100 percent recycled aluminum in some device enclosures and is recovering rare earth elements from returned products.

Samsung has begun replacing packaging and plastic parts with recycled materials and has committed to full renewable energy use in operations across the United States, Europe and China.

HP has taken steps to eliminate most single-use plastics from its packaging by 2025.

These firms are also rethinking design. Modular product structures make upgrades and repairs easier, which keeps devices in circulation longer and cuts waste.

Design for disassembly is no longer a fringe strategy, it is now a competitive advantage.

What’s holding back widespread adoption of green practices

Despite high-profile commitments, large-scale adoption is slow. Many manufacturers face economic barriers to investing in green materials or altering legacy designs. Smaller firms, in particular, struggle to meet standards that require new tooling or supplier shifts.

E-waste remains a persistent global issue. The Global E-waste Monitor reported 53 million metric tons generated in 2020, with less than 20 percent recycled.

“The lack of formal collection infrastructure in many countries allows harmful materials to leak into the environment”.

Ongoing supply chain volatility adds complexity. Producers face difficulty securing ethically sourced minerals or components with reliable traceability. Without consistent policy support or industrywide standards, fragmented adoption limits overall impact.

Circularity is now emerging as a framework for future growth. Electronics companies are piloting reuse schemes, integrating recovered parts into new models and designing products for multiple life cycles. These strategies reduce reliance on virgin materials and increase resilience.

Policy is beginning to catch up. The Right to Repair laws in Europe and various U.S. states aim to extend product lifespans.

Carbon border adjustment taxes are under discussion, which would penalize manufacturers with high emissions embedded in their goods.

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Effects of high emission imbedded in imported goods

High emissions embedded in imported goods contribute significantly to global warming and climate change, as many imported products are manufactured in countries with less stringent environmental regulations or rely on energy-intensive production processes. 

It creates a situation where countries importing these goods are indirectly contributing to emissions that are not reflected in their national carbon footprint, leading to a form of “carbon leakage”. 

1. Carbon Leakage and Consumption-Based Emissions:

• Many countries import goods that were produced with high emissions, meaning the environmental impact of those goods is not accounted for in the importing country’s official carbon emissions. 
• This can lead to a situation where a country’s carbon footprint appears lower than it actually is, as a significant portion of its emissions is “hidden” in the production of imported goods. 
• This is particularly relevant for developed nations, which often import goods from countries with less strict environmental regulations. 

2. Impact on Global Emissions:

• The production and transport of goods across borders contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. 
• This includes emissions from manufacturing processes, energy consumption during production, and transportation by various modes (air, sea, land). 
• The increasing volume of international trade means that these emissions are also on the rise, contributing to global warming and climate change. 

3. Examples of High-Emission Products:

• Certain industries are inherently more energy-intensive and produce higher emissions, such as steel, cement, and chemicals. 
• Products made with these materials, like construction materials or certain types of packaging, are often imported with high embedded emissions. 
• Clothing and textiles, often manufactured in countries with lower labor costs but also lower environmental standards, also contribute significantly to embedded emissions. 

4. Mitigation Strategies:

• Policy measures:

     Implementing policies that encourage sustainable production practices, such as carbon pricing and regulations on emissions from production, can help reduce emissions associated with imported goods. 

• International cooperation:

     Collaborative efforts between countries to share best practices and technologies for reducing emissions are crucial. 

• Promoting circular economy:

     Encouraging the use of recycled materials and sustainable product design can reduce the need for energy-intensive manufacturing processes. 

• Consumer awareness:

     Educating consumers about the environmental impact of their consumption choices can drive demand for more sustainable products. 

Effects of high emission imbedded imported goods to nigeria

High emissions from imported goods into Nigeria significantly contribute to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and negative health impacts. This is particularly evident in the influx of used vehicles and electrical equipment, which often have outdated technology and higher emissions than newer, locally produced alternatives. The reliance on fossil fuels for energy and transportation further exacerbates these issues, impacting both human health and the environment. 

Used vehicles has been the norm because the costs of new ones were far above the income of most of workers -The BIG ISSUE.