Fairphone answers call for more ethical electronics

Ethical smartphone makers: Besides focusing on conflict-free minerals, Fairphone has offered insights to groups lobbying the European Union to enforce legislation giving electronic goods longer warranties.

LONDON: Few brands would risk showing the reality of the complex supply chains behind their products, but Fairphone has staked its reputation on being transparent in an industry often accused of prolonging wars, harming the environment and using child labour. 

The Dutch company started off in 2010 raising awareness about the links between electronics and minerals mined in conflict zones, before deciding it would make a greater impact by producing ethical smartphones of its own.