Samsung's flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone is the first to achieve internationally recognized requirements for environmental design and socially responsible manufacturing. As the largest manufacturer of smartphones worldwide, Samsung is the first major brand to achieve the TCO Certified Smartphones product certification.
The new certification was recently launched by TCO Development, an independent organization with over twenty years experience of sustainability certifications for IT products. Criteria in TCO Certified Smartphones are developed from a life cycle perspective, including requirements for socially responsible manufacturing pratices, the reduction of hazardous material content and health/safety. Compliance with all criteria is verified by an independent, accredited third party.
"We're really pleased to see a smartphone available on the market that meets the requirements in TCO Certified Smartphones", comments Sören Enholm, CEO of TCO Development
The goal of TCO Certified Smartphones is to place higher sustainability demands on smartphones and make it easier for smartphone buyers to choose sustainably designed devices.
The fact that smartphone buyers want certified, responsibly produced devices has a direct effect on how smartphones are manufactured. Buyers have influence in how these products are made.
"Samsung's choosing TCO Certified Smartphones is one example of a leading brand paying close attention to what consumers want", adds Niclas Rydell, Director, Product Certifications at TCO Development.
TCO Development is already talking with other smartphone brands about certifying their products. Sören Enholm comments "While we're pleased that we have a certified product, it's vital that other responsible brands certify their smartphones and do their part to advance mobile products towards a more sustainable future.
