34: Revolutionizing Smartphones: Fairphone's Path to Sustainability and Ethical Tech with Founder Bas van Abel

SustainNOW Podcast - Learn from entrepreneurs & scientists about climate solutions

I'm excited to have Bas van Abel, the founder of Fairphone, with us today In this episode. Bas takes us on the journey of Fairphone from its humble beginnings as an awareness campaign to running the biggest crowdfunding at that time, to its evolution into a pioneering company striving for a systemic change in the smartphone industry. We will explore the core values driving Fairphone, including accessibility, demystifying technology and raising awareness about ethical dilemmas within the electronic supply chain.

Bas shares his insight into the cultural transition towards sustainability, emphasizing the power of storytelling and an art in driving meaningful change. We will dive deep into the challenges facing the smartphone industry the importance of ownership, the right to repair, and the necessity for companies to disconnect revenue from resource consumption for sustainable growth. Bas also reflects on the personal journey of leadership within Fairphone and the vital role of recognizing when to pivot roles for personal well-being and organizational success.
Join us as Bas shares his optimism for humanity capacity to address the climate crisis through social and cultural transitions.
It was a very inspiring conversation which highlights the challenges to tackle and to embrace the opportunities from the path to sustainable. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation filled with entrepreneurial wisdom, passion and a vision for a more sustainable tomorrow.
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What happens when you combine a passion for demystifying technology with a commitment to ethical supply chains? This episode brings you an inspiring conversation with Bas, the founder of Fairphone, who transformed an awareness campaign into a pioneering force in the smartphone industry. Discover how Fairphone's core values of sustainability, accessibility, and the right to repair are not just ideals but actionable strategies challenging the status quo. Bas's unexpected path to entrepreneurship will leave you rethinking the role of purpose-driven innovation in addressing the climate crisis.
Ever thought about what goes into making your smartphone? This episode unravels the complexities of building a device that connects us all, from supplier collaborations to the personal relationship we have with our technology. Bas offers a unique perspective on avoiding phone addiction while discussing the symbolic significance of smartphones as both personal and status objects. Plus, we dive into the appropriate age for children to own their first devices and reflect on sustainability as not just a buzzword, but a necessary investment in our collective future.
Can we achieve societal reset without catastrophic events? Closing this insightful episode, we explore the potential for global transitions driven by cultural change rather than technological fixes or legislation. Bas shares Fairphone's innovative business model, balancing sustainability with growth, and emphasizes the importance of mental health and shared responsibilities among startup founders. Tune in to hear about Fairphone's ambitions, market strategies, and the powerful role of storytelling in fostering a culture of resilience and sustainability.
Please check out show notes and background information: www.sustainnow.ch
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1. 34: Revolutionizing Smartphones: Fairphone's Path to Sustainability and Ethical Tech with Founder Bas van Abel (00:00:00)

2. What is your driving force? (00:03:00)

3. What was your inspiration? (00:06:10)

4. How did Fairphone campaign turn into a product? (00:10:00)

5. What does connectivity mean to you? (00:15:45)

6. What are your thoughts on smartphones for kids? (00:19:26)

7. What is your life motto? (00:20:13)

8. What is the companies current standing? (00:32:00)

9. What makes Fairphone sustainable? (00:33:00)

10. What do you need to focus on to grow and be sustainable? (00:35:00)

11. What market is Fairphone in? (00:38:00)

12. What is your current role in Fairphone? (00:41:00)

13. If you could go back in time and restart the process, what would you do differently? (00:41:45)

14. What makes you confident that we will solve the climate crisis? (00:49:00)