Thematic Research - Economics & Environmental

Smart devices come with an environmental cost

The upstream manufacturing processes of semis chips, flat panel displays, and batteries are chemicals intensive.

The more advanced the technology, the more steps are carried out.  

In the era of outsourcing and horizonal integration, company-specific ESG disclosure cannot fully capture the true environment cost of tech products.

The constant downward cost curve in the linear economy of tech products undermines the economics of a circular economy. 

The recycling of ewaste is largely limited to the retrieval of precious metals.

Effective end-life management of specialty chemicals and polymers sitting inside smart devices remains technically and economically challenging.