SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Why it matters

SDG 12 focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. However, the global material footprint is still growing, having risen to 96 billion metric tons in 2019.^[51] To meet the objectives of SDG 12, the global economy needs to speed up the decoupling of economic growth from resource use by maximising the socioeconomic benefits of resources while minimising their negative impacts.

The industry’s contribution

Mobile technology and mobile operators contribute to SDG 12 by moving away from the linear approach and embracing circularity during product and service development.

For the mobile industry, one of its biggest environmental impacts comes from customers accessing connectivity through connected devices. Positioned between consumers, device suppliers and repairers/recyclers, mobile operators have a strong opportunity to contribute to a circular transition for devices, both from a direct control perspective as well as through influence and partnerships.

By moving to a circular business model for the industry, negative environmental and social impacts will be reduced. This means the industry can meet its demand for materials without depleting the global supply of finite resources. It will also create new market and employment opportunities and will support a just transition given supportive government policies and incentives.

SDG 12 mobile impact score

Source: GSMA Intelligence

Maximising mobile’s impact by 2030

A recent GSMA strategy paper on developing a circular approach for the mobile industry highlighted four immediate opportunities to improve circularity: understand product flows, increase consumer awareness, engage with suppliers and engage with repairers.^[52]

The mobile industry can be a key driver in achieving the SDGs, if we make sure our business models are sustainable. At Deutsche Telekom, we test, for example, new ways to develop circular devices and technology together with our partners. Operating them in circularity oriented business models, e.g. in leasing and take-back schemes, help us to close the loop to full circularity.

Dominique Leroy, Board Member Europe, Deutsche Telekom

Case Studies

Turkcell

Singtel Group

Case Study

Turkcell launches Recycle into Education initiative

Challenge

Because of rapid technological advancements and the accompanying changes to customer behaviours, device lifecycles have shortened, resulting in greater production and waste. Therefore, there is a greater need than ever before to reduce resource use and to move to more sustainable business models.

Solution

As part of its Recycle into Education project, Turkcell retail outlets provide recycling boxes for unusable mobile phones, computers, tablets and accessories. These collected items are then sent for recycling in collaboration with the Turkish Informatics Industry Association. The proceeds generated from recycling are then donated to the Education Volunteers Foundation of Turkey to support the provision of high-quality education for children.

Impact

Since its inception in November 2019, Turkcell has contributed 29.4 metric tons of e-waste to this project, resulting in the education of 382 children through donated funds. Through e-waste recycling, Turkcell helps to conserve natural resources by reusing precious metals found in electronic products. By utilising the proceeds from recycling to enhance the quality of education, Turkcell further encourages recycling efforts.

I think the initial step before developing projects in order to to achieve the SDGs and create a positive impact, is to review every stage of our business and correct, if necessary, to make it more efficient and harmless. In fact, 'Recycle into Education' is a project developed to ensure that the devices used by our customers are disposed of in an environmental friendly way and that resources are used efficiently. As Turkcell, we implement many practices to use our own resources efficiently, with our belief in the circular economy. We have implemented the 'Recycle into Education' project to include our customers in this belief. Efforts to ensure responsible production and responsible consumption increase the value of our business."

Murat Erkan, CEO, Turkcell

Case Study

Singtel Group empowers vulnerable communities through digital enablement initiatives

Challenge

Societies today have become highly reliant on digital access for communication and essential services. Singtel is cognisant that vulnerable communities in Singapore, such as seniors and low-income families, lack the resources or skills to keep up with such technological advancements and risk being excluded digitally, while youth are facing increasing cyber threats.

Solution

Singtel Group has worked together with its partners to curate a suite of digital enablement initiatives that bridge the digital divide for vulnerable groups and foster digital wellbeing and online safety. Singtel’s Donate Your Data and Donate Your Device programmes enable customers to donate their unused data and devices to vulnerable seniors and low-income families. The operator supports Help123, a cyber wellness and digital parenting platform, with online resources and a hotline to help parents better protect young people from online dangers. Moreover, the Singtel Digital Silvers programme enables vulnerable seniors to stay digitally connected and feel a sense of community through one-on-one tutorials to build digital literacy.

Impact

Singtel has digitally enabled more than 840,000 people since 2015, with a target of 1 million people by 2025. Over the past year, the operator has reached out through Singtel Digital Silvers to over 300 seniors, who have gained more confidence in using mobile devices to navigate the digital world, while over 7,000 seniors have benefited from free digital access from data donated by Singtel customers. Meanwhile, 957 kg of devices was collected, refurbished and distributed to low-income families. Moreover, Help123 empowered 4,000 parents and children through workshops.