And neither is any other device maker. This industry is full of “feel good” messaging, but generates 50 million metric tons of e-waste each year. We believe the best way to reduce environmental impact is to create products that last longer, meaning fewer new ones need to be made. Instead of operating on feels, we operate on data and actions.
We commissioned Fraunhofer IZM to do a detailed life cycle analysis on Framework Laptop 13 to help us understand where we are today and where we can continue to improve.
In every choice we make, we think through the impact on people and the planet. Here are some of the initiatives we’re taking:
01
Designed to last longer
The single best way to reduce the environmental impact of electronics is to make them last longer. We believe empowering consumers and businesses with the right to repair is key to enabling that. We design Framework products to not only be durable over time, but to be easy to repair and upgrade. All replacement parts are available on the Framework Marketplace and can be easily swapped using our step-by-step guides. Every laptop purchase includes a Framework Screwdriver, the only tool you need for repairs and upgrades.
02
Module re-use
In addition to designing our products to last longer, we want to ensure that modules have uses beyond the life of the laptop they started in. To prevent the creation of e-waste through upgrade behavior, we released a 3D-printable case for the Framework Laptop 13 Mainboard and partnered with Cooler Master to create the new Cooler Master Mainboard Case. Both of these are ways to extend the life of the Mainboard as a standalone computer. We’ve also released open source design documentation and CAD for additional modules on GitHub.
03
Refurbished program
With the Framework refurbished program, you can now purchase excellent-quality refurbished products, giving a second life to returned goods.
04
Climate-conscious materials
We choose our materials both for durability and environmental impact. We maximize the use of post-consumer recycled plastics and metals where we can, and select materials that have robust recycling supply chains available at end of life. Our packaging is made of 100% recycled materials and made with the least amount of materials possible.
Framework Laptop 13
Framework Laptop 13 is a thin, light, high-performance notebook designed to last. In addition to being easy to upgrade, repair, and customize, we’ve maximized the use of recycled and recyclable materials.
Top Cover
75%
Post-industrial recycled aluminum
Bottom Cover
50%
Post-consumer recycled aluminum
Input Cover
50%
Post-consumer recycled aluminum
Screwdriver
70%
post-consumer recycled plastic
Expansion Cards
25–30%
Post-consumer recycled plastic
Keyboards
50%
Post-consumer recycled plastic
Speakers
75%
Post-consumer recycled aluminum
Framework Laptop 16
Framework Laptop 16 takes our product philosophy even further, with modular discrete graphics and customizable input, while continuing to make good use of recycled materials.
Top Cover
75%
Post-industrial recycled aluminum
Touchpad Module
75%
Post-consumer recycled aluminum
Bottom Cover
90%
Post-consumer recycled magnesium aluminum
Input Modules
35%
Post-consumer recycled aluminum
Expansion Bay Modules
35%
Post-consumer recycled plastic
We track our logistics-based carbon footprint and try to minimize our impact through FedEx’s International Priority Direct Distribution program, which allows us to consolidate and ship regional packages together through customs before breaking them up and distributing them individually.
We also purchase carbon offsets through Flexport and Carbonfund.org for all of our freight. You can see what initiatives the carbon offsets are going to at the Carbonfund.org website, including reforestation, more efficient stoves for the developing world, and solar and wind farms. We know buying offsets is not a perfect solution, so we’re continuing to investigate and invest in ways to reduce our carbon output altogether across manufacturing, logistics, and product lifecycle.
In addition to limiting new emissions, we believe carbon capture and sequestration is a critical element of an overall climate strategy. To help foster this, we offer carbon capture in the Framework Marketplace in quantities matching the estimated impact of manufacturing a Framework Laptop. We partner with Running Tide, a startup based in Maine that is literally sinking carbon in the ocean through floating bio-buoys that grow kelp micro forests over a period of months and then sink to the ocean floor, sequestering carbon for hundreds to thousands of years. The carbon sequestration industry is brand new, and Running Tide is one of the first companies to deliver practical carbon capture at commercial scale, with a path to bringing down costs in the future. We’ll continue to look for opportunities to fund creative startups in this industry to collectively scale up from kilotons to megatons and eventually the gigatons that are needed to head off climate change.
We have a long road ahead of us.
Follow along as we remake consumer electronics to respect people and the planet.
© 2023 Framework Computer Inc