Nokia has been studying environmental aspects of design for more than a decade and sustainability is one of the design team’s key focus areas. We are developing products and services which not only meet customers’ immediate usability needs but help them to make more sustainable choices through the innovative use of materials, technologies and concepts.

The range of ideas covers accessibility as well as the environment. For example, we consider phones which stress simplicity of use for those who do not want multiple functions and phones which can easily be used by people who are illiterate.

See www.nokiaaccessibility.com for more information.

An advanced design team within Nokia has been researching and developing new ideas and concepts specifically based on sustainability. Their work focuses on futuristic ideas and protyping new approaches in materials, technologies, ecological, and ethical approaches.

Early in 2008, this team unveiled one of its concepts, called Remade, which aims to reduce environmental impacts by using no new materials. It uses recycled plastic bottles and cans for the chassis and covers, while its rubber keymat and gaskets are produced from old car tires. The design addresses energy use as well as the phone components with graphics that are designed to save energy.

Obsolescence
The rapid development of technology means that users often want to replace their phone long before it is technically obsolete. Nokia's development of software updates can help to extend product lifespan. Users can update their phone's operating system (sometimes known as firmware) over the air or through a personal computer. This can provide extra or improved functions and performance.

When people do replace their phones, our designs aim to make them as easy as possible to recycle.

Read more about recycling in our environmental report 2008.