Tag: circular

How to Identify the Best Sustainability Courses for Business Leaders?

The need to be sustainable has never been as intense in the current fast moving business environment. Leaders understand that it is not only a moral but a strategic need to incorporate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The drivers of this change are the growing stakeholder demands, the regulation requirements, and the effects of the climate change and social inequality. The rate of change in this paradigm is fast leading to the need of specialized knowledge and skills in sustainable business practices.

ESG courses come in at this stage and provide a systematic way in which professionals can enrich their knowledge and improve their ability to effect positive change. However, with an increase in the number of offerings, how does a business leader with a keen sense of discernment identify the most sound sustainability courses that genuinely align with their career aspirations and organizational needs? This guide will explore key considerations all of which can assist you to navigate through the education landscape and make an informed choice that can launch your leadership in the sustainable age.

Understanding Your Needs and Goals

Before you find a sustainability course, you need to assess what you already know, what you want to achieve in your career and what concerns you in an organization. Specify the need or not of a simple understanding or technical expertise in areas like finance of renewable energy, circular economy responses, or sustainable supply chain control. The reason this is necessary is in order to assist in customizing your educational experience in a way that it may have maximum impact on your professional life and your organizations endeavors to be sustainable.

Take into account your status, such as executive, manager or future professional to distinguish between introductory courses, specialized certifications, and executive education courses. Such self-evaluation will assist in narrowing down, making sure that the course fits your particular needs.

Key Criteria for Evaluating Sustainability Courses

When you have quite a clear picture of your needs, you may start to assess the possible sustainability courses according to a number of important parameters. These are the requirements that will assist you in determining the quality and appropriateness of a program and therefore will give the best returns in terms of investment in terms of time and resource usage.

1. Curriculum Relevance and Depth

Review course syllabus. Find a curriculum that is both theoretically and practically balanced with a range of case studies and practical projects. As a leader, a course that explores strategic sustainability, risk management, stakeholder engagement and impact measurement are of special value.

2. Faculty Expertise and Industry Experience

Conduct an investigation on the faculty. Are they well-educated, experienced in the industry and with successful sustainability history? Their life experience may be invaluable.

3. Program Format and Flexibility

Bear in mind the format that most effectively fits your learning style and schedule: face-to-face, online, hybrid, self-paced, or cohort-based. Online courses are flexible, yet they offer enough possibilities in terms of communication.

4. Accreditation and Reputation

The reputation of the institution offering the same and accreditation by known organizations can lend a lot of weight. Search through testimonials, networks and industry reputation that can help determine the status of a program.

5. Networking Opportunities

The courses that provide strong networking with other business leaders, sustainability professionals and faculty can be incredibly useful. Such networks are capable of producing new knowledge, collaborations and employment.

6. Practical Application and Impact

Does the course focus on the practical tools, frameworks, and methods you can apply in your position immediately? Find programs where the participants are encouraged to come up with projects or strategies that can be implemented.

Types of Sustainability Courses for Business Leaders

To narrow your search further, it is useful to know the various types of sustainability courses they offer that are aligned to different learning outcomes and career levels:

1. Executive Education Programs

Targeted at top managers and executives, such programs usually provide a strategic perspective on sustainability, including bringing the factors of ESG into business strategy, risk management and corporate governance. They can be short, intensive and offered by the best business schools and they offer high-level information without a long-term academic commitment. Such programs are suitable to busy professionals who should get the strategic implications of sustainability fast.

2. Graduate Degrees and Certificates

To go a little further and gain a formal degree, one can choose MBA programs with a sustainability focus, a Master’s degree in Environmental Management, or a graduate certificate. They offer in-depth information in multiple areas of sustainability and are best suited to individuals in the field who intend to make a radical career shift towards full-time sustainability work or to enhance their professional competence to a new level. They tend to include intense academic research and study.

3. Online Courses and MOOCs

Online courses such as Coursera, edX and university-specific online courses are less rigid and can be less expensive. These may be basic courses that offer a basic knowledge to the highly specialized subjects which may enable you to study at your own speed. Some of them are self-paced, whereas others can have cohort-based learning, where the instructor interacts and learners collaborate with each other, as it offers a structured but flexible learning environment.

4. Professional Certifications

Professional accreditation in certain fields of sustainability, e.g., LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) of green building, or sustainable finance, are offered by multiple organizations. They are superb in showing specialized knowledge in a specific field and may make you have more credibility in certain areas of the industry. They frequently need to take an exam and may need further education.

5. Custom Corporate Training

Individual organizations have custom sustainability training programs available in many institutions and consulting firms. In case the company is interested in upskilling a group of people or solving certain sustainability issues that are specific to your industry, then a bespoke course can be developed to meet those specific requirements. The programs are offered locally or online and are very useful in creating a sense of collective comprehension and uniformity of approach to sustainability in an organization.

Emerging Trends in Sustainability Education

Sustainability is a dynamic discipline and education does capture the same. The important trends to consider during selection of course include:

1. ESG Integration and Reporting

The most important courses are those that concentrate on strong ESG integration in financial decision-making, performance measurement and transparent reporting. It is essential to learn such frameworks as SASB, GRI, TCFD.

2. Circular Economy Principles

Courses that provide practical strategies of introducing circularity in a business operation are very helpful.

3. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

Climate risk assessment, adaptation plans, and low-carbon transition plans education is on the rise.

4. Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions

Courses that delve into nature-based solutions, ecosystem services and how they can be incorporated in the business models are leading.

5. Digital Tools and Data Analytics

Find programs that include data analytics, AI, and blockchain use in sustainability management.

6. Social Equity and Just Transition

Holistic leadership requires courses that consider human rights, labor practices, community engagement, and a just transition to all the stakeholders.

Conclusion

Making a proper sustainability course choice is a landmark decision of every business leader who is interested in managing the intricacies of the contemporary economy and making a positive change. It is an investment in your personal development, as well as the future effectiveness and strength of your organization.

After critically analyzing your own needs, examining curriculum relevance, evaluating faculty competency, and program format and reputation, then you can be sure that you have chosen a program that gives you the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader in the sustainable age. Sustainability education is a multifaceted landscape with opportunities at all the levels of experience and aspiration. You are seeking to have a general knowledge base, become the specialist in a certain field, or bring the transformative change to the executive stage, you will find the course that will help you achieve your goals.

The knowledge you will acquire during such programs will enable you to incorporate the environment, social, and governance aspect in the main business strategies, which will promote innovation, reduce risks, and build long-term value to all the stakeholders. Finally, it is not only a matter of compliance or reputation when investing in high-quality Sustainability courses; it is a matter of creating a more sustainable, fair, and successful future of your business and the world.

Students Recycle 1.5 Million Batteries and save valuable materials from landfill

Students across Ireland saved the equivalent of 1.5 million AA batteries from landfill last school year – the weight of close to four school buses – with one small school collecting nearly 2,000 AA batteries per person.

Cloonfour National School in Roscommon, with just 40 pupils, proved that even the smallest schools can make a massive impact as they rallied their families and community to collect used batteries for recycling and win their category in the national WEEE Ireland Schools Battery Recycling Competition.

Other winning schools hailed from Galway, Carlow, Roscommon, Waterford and Donegal, with each awarded a €2,000 sports voucher for their efforts.

This year’s competition launches as the new EU Batteries Regulation come into full effect, bringing higher waste battery collection, recycling and recovery targets.

WEEE Ireland is calling on schools, families, and communities nationwide to get involved by gathering used batteries for recycling and help Ireland meet these ambitious goals – while supporting environmental protection and the programme’s charity partner LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.

The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools in WEEE Ireland’s battery recycling counties that collect at least 10 full 5kg battery boxes.

“The new EU Batteries Regulation raises the bar for all of us, and schools across Ireland are proving they are ready to meet that challenge,” said Elizabeth O’Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland.

“The incredible efforts of students, teachers, families and local communities will help ensure we meet the minimum recovery targets for materials like cobalt, copper, lead, lithium, and nickel. This ensures these materials are recaptured for use again in manufacturing, as part of a more sustainable and circular battery economy.

“Every year we see how collective action can achieve real results – and even the smallest schools, like Cloonfour National School, can make an outsized contribution.”
Expressing her gratitude, Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn said:

“The funds we have received from WEEE Ireland as a result of battery recycling programme over the last 14 years of this partnership have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn’s specialised care and supports all across Ireland.”

“This year’s donation brings the total fundraising to an incredible €610,000.  LauraLynn would also like to say a huge thank you WEEE Ireland for the support across this campaign over the last number of years and to everyone who took the time to recycle their batteries.

“It may seem like something small, but for the children and families who rely on LauraLynn, and for the environment, it is huge and very impactful.”

Schools can find more information and order free WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes at www.weeeireland.ie.

MacBook Logic Board Repair: Fix vs Replace Your Mac in 2025

The kernel panic screen, the folder with a question mark, or simply nothing at all – when your MacBook’s logic board fails, the immediate assumption is that your machine has reached its end. Yet at iPhix Tech NI, Belfast’s premier repair facility, we’ve restored thousands of MacBooks that Apple Stores declared beyond economic repair, using advanced Mac repair techniques that make logic board restoration both viable and valuable. Whether you’re facing graphics failures on your 2019 MacBook Pro or dealing with liquid damage on an M1 Air, understanding the economics and possibilities of logic board repair versus replacement could save you significant money whilst extending your Mac’s productive life by years.

The decision between repair and replacement has become increasingly complex as Apple’s shift to unified architecture makes newer machines less repairable whilst simultaneously more expensive to replace. Our specialist repair services tackle everything from vintage Intel machines to the latest Apple Silicon models, providing honest assessments about when repair makes financial sense versus when replacement becomes inevitable. For businesses and creative professionals across Ireland who depend on their MacBooks, this decision impacts not just budgets but productivity, data security, and environmental responsibility.

Understanding Logic Board Failures: Symptoms and Causes

Common Failure Patterns

Logic board failures manifest in various ways, from subtle performance degradation to complete system failure. The dreaded kernel panics appearing randomly during work signal underlying hardware instability. Graphics glitches – flickering screens, coloured lines, or distorted images – often indicate GPU failures on the logic board. Random restarts, especially under load, suggest power delivery issues within the board’s complex circuitry.

Boot failures present particularly frustrating scenarios. The prohibitory symbol, question mark folder, or endless boot loops indicate logic board components failing to communicate properly. Some MacBooks power on but display nothing, fans spinning at maximum whilst the screen remains black. Others work normally until reaching specific temperatures, then shut down or freeze consistently.

Less obvious symptoms include specific ports stopping working whilst others function normally, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth disappearing from system preferences, or battery charging becoming erratic despite good battery health. These isolated failures often indicate localised logic board damage that targeted repair can address without full board replacement.

Root Causes of Logic Board Damage

Liquid damage remains the leading cause of logic board failures, with coffee, tea, and water creating conductive paths between components never meant to connect. Even small spills reaching keyboard gaps can flow directly onto logic boards below. Humidity and condensation cause slower but equally destructive corrosion, particularly in Ireland’s damp climate where temperature changes create internal condensation.

Thermal stress from inadequate cooling creates another failure category. Dust accumulation blocking ventilation, failed fans, or degraded thermal paste causes components to overheat repeatedly. This thermal cycling weakens solder joints, leading to intermittent connections that worsen over time. Graphics chips prove particularly vulnerable, explaining why many MacBook Pros experience GPU failures around the 3-4 year mark.

Power irregularities cause sudden catastrophic failures. Using incorrect chargers, power surges during storms, or faulty batteries sending irregular voltage all stress logic board components beyond design limits. Static discharge through ports, though rare, can instantly destroy sensitive chips. Manufacturing defects, whilst uncommon, create time-bomb scenarios where components fail predictably after specific usage periods.

The Economics of Logic Board Repair

Cost Analysis Framework

Logic board repair costs vary dramatically based on failure type and MacBook model. Component-level repairs addressing specific failed chips cost significantly less than full board replacements. Micro-soldering services replacing individual capacitors or resistors might solve issues relatively affordably, whilst GPU reballing or chip replacement requires more investment but still costs less than new logic boards.

Comparing repair costs against replacement values requires honest assessment. A MacBook worth considerable money justifies substantial repair investment. Older machines worth less might not warrant expensive repairs unless they contain valuable data or specialised software configurations. The calculation changes for businesses where setup time and software licensing costs make repairs more attractive than replacement.

Consider total ownership costs beyond immediate repair expenses. New MacBooks require migration time, potential software upgrades, and accessory replacement if ports change. Repairs maintain familiar workflows, preserve software configurations, and avoid the productivity loss of adapting to new machines. These hidden replacement costs often tip scales toward repair for working professionals.

Depreciation and Residual Value

MacBooks depreciate predictably, losing roughly 20-30% value annually for the first three years, then stabilising. Logic board repairs can restore machines to full functionality, maintaining higher resale values than partially-working units. A repaired MacBook with documented professional service often commands better prices than identical models with unknown history.

The repair versus replace calculation shifts at certain age thresholds. MacBooks under two years old almost always justify repair given their high replacement cost. Three to five-year-old machines require careful evaluation based on specific models and failure types. Machines over five years old need exceptional circumstances – rare configurations, sentimental value, or specific software requirements – to justify major repairs.

Apple’s vintage and obsolete designations affect parts availability and long-term viability. Machines approaching vintage status (5-7 years) face declining parts availability. Obsolete status (7+ years) means Apple stops all hardware service. However, independent repair specialists often support machines years after Apple abandons them, using salvaged parts and third-party solutions.

Technical Repair Processes and Capabilities

Micro-Soldering and Component-Level Repair

Modern logic board repair requires microscopic precision impossible without specialised equipment. Micro-soldering stations with high-magnification microscopes enable technicians to work on components smaller than rice grains. Hot air rework stations precisely control temperatures for removing and replacing chips without damaging surrounding components. Ultrasonic cleaners remove corrosion and flux residues that prevent proper connections.

Component-level diagnosis identifies specific failed parts rather than condemning entire boards. Multimeters, oscilloscopes, and thermal cameras reveal failing components through electrical and thermal signatures. Schematic reading skills enable technicians to trace signal paths, identifying failure points. This targeted approach replaces individual failed components rather than entire boards, dramatically reducing costs.

BGA (Ball Grid Array) reballing represents one of the most complex repair procedures. Graphics chips and processors attach to boards through hundreds of tiny solder balls that crack over time. Reballing involves removing chips, cleaning attachment points, applying new solder balls with precise templates, and reattaching chips with exact temperature profiles. Success requires exceptional skill and proper equipment.

Data Recovery During Logic Board Failure

Data recovery often becomes the primary concern when logic boards fail. Modern MacBooks with soldered storage make data recovery challenging but not impossible. NAND chip transplantation moves storage chips to functional boards, though encryption and security features complicate this process. Specialised tools read data directly from chips when transplantation isn’t viable.

T2 and Apple Silicon security creates additional challenges. These security chips tie storage encryption to specific logic boards, preventing simple chip swaps. However, partial board repairs that restore enough functionality for data access often succeed where complete restoration isn’t possible. The goal shifts from full repair to temporary functionality enabling data extraction.

Professional data recovery from failed logic boards requires clean room environments, specialised readers, and deep understanding of Apple’s security architecture. Success rates vary based on failure types and encryption status, but professional recovery often retrieves data considered lost. The value of recovered data frequently exceeds repair costs, making attempts worthwhile even with uncertain outcomes.

MacBook Model-Specific Considerations

Intel MacBooks (2016-2020)

Intel-based MacBooks present repairable architectures with modular components. The infamous butterfly keyboard generation (2016-2019) suffered numerous issues beyond keyboards, including display cable failures and thermal problems causing logic board stress. These machines often benefit from preventive maintenance alongside logic board repairs.

The 2016-2017 15-inch MacBook Pros experienced widespread GPU failures requiring board replacement or chip reballing. Touch Bar models introduced additional complexity with separate logic boards for Touch Bar functions. The 2018-2020 generations improved reliability but maintained similar repair challenges with densely packed components and thermal constraints.

Intel MacBooks benefit from mature repair ecosystems with abundant parts availability and well-documented procedures. Third-party parts provide affordable alternatives to Apple components. Established repair techniques achieve high success rates for common failures. These factors make Intel MacBook repair economically attractive despite Apple’s design choices limiting repairability.

Apple Silicon MacBooks (2020-Present)

M1, M2, and newer Apple Silicon MacBooks revolutionised performance but complicated repairs. Unified memory architecture means RAM failures require complete logic board replacement. Integrated design reduces component modularity, limiting repair options. However, improved reliability means fewer failures overall, and superior thermal efficiency reduces heat-related failures common in Intel models.

When Apple Silicon logic boards fail, repair options become limited but not impossible. Micro-soldering still addresses power delivery issues, port failures, and certain component problems. The exceptional performance and efficiency of these machines often justifies higher repair investments given replacement costs. Data recovery remains possible though more challenging due to enhanced security integration.

The longevity question for Apple Silicon machines remains open. Their improved efficiency suggests longer useful lives, potentially justifying repair investments. However, integrated architecture means single component failures might condemn entire boards. Early adoption risks exist, but initial reliability data suggests these machines require fewer repairs whilst delivering superior performance.

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

Electronic Waste Impact

Every repaired MacBook avoids contributing to the growing electronic waste crisis. Manufacturing new MacBooks requires extensive resources – rare earth minerals, water, and energy – with significant carbon footprints. Repairs extend existing device lifecycles, maximising return on already-invested resources. The environmental cost of repair pales compared to replacement manufacturing impact.

Ireland’s commitment to environmental sustainability makes repair particularly relevant. EU right-to-repair legislation supports independent repair, challenging manufacturers’ monopolistic practices. Choosing repair over replacement aligns with circular economy principles, reducing waste whilst maintaining technological capability. Businesses demonstrating environmental responsibility through repair choices enhance their sustainability credentials.

Corporate Responsibility

Organisations increasingly recognise repair’s role in meeting environmental commitments. Extending device lifecycles through professional repair reduces procurement costs whilst demonstrating environmental stewardship. Employee satisfaction improves when companies show commitment to sustainability. Repair choices reflect corporate values beyond simple financial calculations.

Making the Decision: Repair or Replace?

Decision Framework

Evaluate repair viability through systematic assessment. Calculate repair costs as percentage of replacement cost – repairs under 50% of replacement value generally make sense. Consider device age and expected additional lifespan post-repair. Factor in data value and recovery needs. Assess environmental priorities and sustainability commitments.

Time sensitivity affects decisions significantly. Repairs might take days or weeks for complex issues, whilst replacement provides immediate solutions. Loan machines during repair periods mitigate productivity loss. Backup devices enable repair without workflow disruption. Planning for potential failures prevents rushed decisions under pressure.

When Repair Makes Sense

Repair becomes compelling for newer machines with high replacement costs, devices with valuable data requiring recovery, specialised configurations expensive to replicate, and machines with sentimental or historical value. Businesses with standardised fleets benefit from maintaining consistency. Environmental priorities favouring sustainability over convenience support repair choices.

When Replacement Becomes Necessary

Replacement makes sense when repair costs approach or exceed 70% of replacement value, multiple major components fail simultaneously, obsolete machines lack parts availability, or significant performance improvements justify upgrades. Security requirements mandating latest OS versions that older hardware cannot support force replacement. Business growth requiring capabilities current machines cannot provide necessitates upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do logic board repairs typically last?

Professional logic board repairs using quality components typically provide years of additional service. Component-level repairs addressing specific failures often last the remaining lifetime of the device. However, age-related failures might continue appearing in other components. Regular maintenance extends repair longevity.

Can liquid-damaged logic boards be reliably repaired?

Many liquid-damaged boards recover fully with proper treatment. Success depends on liquid type, exposure duration, and response speed. Immediate professional intervention dramatically improves outcomes. Even severely corroded boards sometimes restore to full functionality through comprehensive cleaning and component replacement.

Will repaired MacBooks maintain their resale value?

Professionally repaired MacBooks with documentation often maintain good resale values. Quality repairs using genuine or high-grade components preserve functionality and reliability. Transparency about repair history builds buyer confidence. Repaired machines typically command better prices than faulty units needing repair.

Do logic board repairs void remaining warranty or AppleCare?

Third-party repairs generally void Apple warranties, though EU legislation provides some consumer protections. However, machines needing logic board repairs often already exceed warranty periods. Independent repair warranties sometimes provide better coverage than expired Apple protection.

Conclusion

Logic board repair represents a viable alternative to MacBook replacement in many scenarios, offering economic, practical, and environmental benefits. Understanding failure causes, repair possibilities, and decision frameworks enables informed choices between repair and replacement. Professional assessment provides clarity about specific situations, preventing both unnecessary replacements and uneconomical repairs.

As MacBooks become increasingly expensive whilst simultaneously less user-repairable, professional logic board repair services become more valuable. The expertise and equipment required for successful repairs justify professional service costs, particularly when considering data value, productivity impacts, and environmental responsibilities.

The fix versus replace decision ultimately depends on individual circumstances, but dismissing repair without professional evaluation often means unnecessary expense and environmental impact. For many MacBook users across Ireland, logic board repair provides the optimal balance of cost, performance, and sustainability.

 

Piceasoft introduces new, unique solutions to extend the lifecycle of mobile devices and advance the circular economy

Finnish circular economy company Piceasoft introduces major updates to its unique-to-the-industry PiceaOnline platform to boost circular economy, increase customer choices, and broaden retailer business and sustainability program opportunities in the used mobile phones market.

Mobile phones are one the most common electronic devices, but at the same time, one of the least recycled or resold. According to the International Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) forum, 5.3 billion mobile phones were thrown away in the year 2022 alone. With many of these potentially reusable, better access to mobile reselling opportunities could significantly reduce the 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste produced annually, a significant amount of which comes from discarded mobile devices.

Also, there is a chronic shortage of pre-owned mobile phones in Europe, so the sales of used phones are severely limited by supply. Used phones are exported from the USA, which partly meets the demand. But US devices are not CE marked, and only phones with CE approval can officially be sold in Europe. While compliance with CE standards varies across Europe, this further complicates the availability of used devices.

Despite the many mobile phone trade-in programs from operators and retailers, it is estimated that less than 20% of consumers recycle their phones. One major reason is the lack of transparency in the trade-in process: many times, the actual trade price for the old phone can be significantly lower than the original estimation due to the shortcomings in accuracy and lack of transparency of the diagnostics and evaluation process. These issues limit consumer options, demotivate them to recycle phones, and hinder trust towards the whole trade-in process.

Now through major developments to the PiceaOnline platform, Piceasoft is bringing unique features and benefits currently missing from the mobile trade-in business. These advancements make recycling phones and extending their life cycle easier and more valuable to both consumers and retailers.

“The mobile phone industry is one the largest in the world, but still in the starting blocks regarding circular economy. Now it is the time to start walking the talk, since the current system is broken and not fair to the customers. Old phones and other consumer electronics create a lot of waste. In fact, waste streams equivalent to more than 300,000 double-decker buses are created every year by smartphones and similar devices sent to waste and buried underground. Also, the consumer awareness of reselling your old phone is still quite low, and the whole value chain needs to take more responsibility in changing this,” says Kristian Järnefelt, the CEO of Piceasoft.

An operating system for circular economy

Usually, when reselling their phones, operators and major retailers only have the option to provide offers from only one trade-in partner program. PiceaOnline’s Multi-partner trade-in increases the value of mobile phone trade-in programs by offering fair and best prices for consumers from multiple trade-in partners, so consumers can benefit from the best and highest-value option for their reselling. Also, the operators and retailers can decide to sell devices matching their self-defined criteria directly to their customers instead of shipping them to the trade-in partner.

“Consumers, trade-in partners, and other retailers can see us as an operating system for the circular economy: we bring concrete, fair, and easy-to-use circular economy choices to every consumer interaction when they are buying a new phone, whether in digital or in stores. PiceaOnline platform merges mobile device lifecycle management technology and consumer-facing services into one easy-to-use business platform. We aim to make Piceasoft Europe’s leading platform to extend the lifecycle of mobile devices,” Kristian Järnefelt continues.

One of the bottlenecks in mobile phone recycling and reselling is the accuracy of grading devices to check their condition. It is estimated that around 78% of consumers lose interest if grading their device requires installing a new app on their smartphone. PiceaOnline’s new Web-based diagnostics make the trade-in process easier for consumers by accurately grading the devices without the need to install an app. Also, more automated diagnostics help to grade the devices in more detail, resulting in concrete value estimates that consumers can trust will be the price they get from their old phone.

PiceaOnline’s new Mobile SDK makes it possible to enhance the reach and value of trade-in programs by integrating PiceaOnline’s trade-in capabilities into retailers’ or mobile operator’s apps. By integrating the PiceaOnline Mobile SDK into their applications, operators, and retailers can directly engage with mobile device consumers, enhance user experience, and provide seamless trade-in experiences and instant trade-in quotes—all within the existing apps. Similarly, the PiceaOnline Mobile SDK can be utilized for self-support use cases.

Piceasoft is showcasing PiceaOnline and how it connects business opportunities to mobile devices’ circular economy with its new features at Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona 26.-29. February 2024.

Nokia announces the X30 5G – G60 5G – C31 phones T21 tablet, new accessories and Circular

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announces Circular, a revolutionary new subscription service with sustainability at its core. Alongside this, three new devices launch including our most eco-friendly smartphone yet, Nokia X30 5G, made with 100% recycled aluminium and 65% recycled plastic. Plus, more responsible packaging, as well as our standard longevity promises to revamp the Nokia devices portfolio across all ranges.

Florian Seiche, CEO, HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones: “At HMD Global, home of Nokia phones, we want people to keep their phones for longer and this can be seen across three areas. We have introduced Circular, a truly circular subscription model that rewards people who extend the lifecycle of their phones. We build our devices with more recycled materials and continue to boost our longevity heritage with software and security updates. And we are working hard to live this approach as a company, with our business-wide sustainability pledges that shows our commitment to continue to work harder to protect tomorrow.”

Circular – a subscription service redefining mobile phone ownership with sustainability at its core

Introducing Circular – a revolutionary new subscription service offering a more sustainable and hassle-free way to use Nokia smartphones and tablets. We are incentivising people to keep their phones for longer with a range of eco-friendly rewards. Circular minimises the negative impact phone ownership can have on the planet by keeping smartphones and tablets out of landfill and giving them a second life. Within our subscription model, Nokia devices go through recycling, refurbishing and re-subscribing or they go to a charitable cause that needs it the most. In addition, it provides people with complete freedom to choose and change their subscription. Any accidental damage, loss, or theft will be taken care of without a separate monthly cost, and a quick replacement arranged if needed.

Ben Wood, CCS Insight: “Sustainability is important to customers when it comes to connected electronics devices. CCS Insight’s research shows that roughly half of consumers in key European markets believe that creating products that last longer is helpful and positive for the environment. HMD continues to encourage consumers to keep their device for longer and with Circular, it also means devices stay out of landfill. Electronic waste is an issue the whole industry must address and services like Circular are a positive step towards creating change.”

Nokia X30 5G delivers our smallest eco footprint yet and our best-ever PureView photography experience

Nokia X30 5G is built with a 100% recycled aluminium frame and a 65% recycled plastic back, making it our most eco-friendly smartphone, right down to the box. Using 100% FSC-certified and 94% recycled paper box at a reduced packaging size saves on transportation CO2 emissions, made possible by removing the charger to tackle e-waste.

With zero compromise on the phone’s performance, Nokia X30 5G comes with premium features including our best photo experience to date. The 50MP PureView camera uses Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and AI to capture stunning ultra-wide angle and vibrant night time shots. The camera is protected by scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass with DX+ that lets 98% of all light reach the large sensor and content is brought to life on the 6.43” PureDisplay with bright colors and smooth viewing.

Nokia G60 5G brings sustainability through longevity to as many people as possible

Sustainably crafted with 100% recycled plastic back and 60% recycled plastic frame, Nokia G60 5G brings X-series longevity to the G-series for the first time. Helping people keep their phone for longer, it comes with the ‘3-3-3’ promise – three years of Android upgrades, three years of monthly security updates, and an extended three-year warranty at no extra cost. Complete with a 6.58” FHD+ 120Hz display for super-smooth scrolling and a 50MP AI triple camera, Nokia G60 5G makes premium experiences more accessible.

Nokia T21 is a reliable, family-friendly powerhouse that is built to last

Designed with a tough body made with aluminium that features a 60% recycled plastic cover for the antenna, the new Nokia T21 brings all the durability and promises you would expect from a Nokia tablet. Two years of Android upgrades ensure it remains fresh on the inside as well. Industry-leading protection with up to three years of monthly security updates make it perfect for the entire family. Building on the success of its predecessor, it’s loaded with fan-requested features, such as HD video streaming, voice calling and NFC payment capability.

NFC4 will help your business with payments and scan NFC tags, while Second Screen will allow you expand and control your Windows PC. And if you’re feeling creative, sketch out your ideas, jot down notes or draw your next masterpiece with an active pen

New Nokia audio accessories join the sustainability journey

Bringing reliable sound on the go, the new, fully waterproof Nokia Portable Wireless Speaker 2 comes with a 100% recycled outer design and a whopping 22-hour battery life.

Pricing and availability

The new devices will be available in select markets globally starting today.

  • Nokia X30 5G comes in Cloudy Blue or Ice White and is available in 6/128 GB and 8/256 GB memory and storage configurations starting at RRP of 499 EUR and 529 EUR
  • Nokia G60 5G comes in Pure Black or Ice Grey and is available in 4/64 GB and 4/128 GB memory and storage configurations starting at RRP of 309 EUR and 329 EUR
  • Nokia C31 comes in Mint, Charcoal and Cyan and is available in 3/32 GB, 4/64 GB, and 4/128 GB memory and storage configurations starting at global average RRP of 129 EUR
  • Nokia T21 comes in Charcoal Grey and is available in 4/64 GB and 4/128 GB memory and storage configuration in a Wi-Fi and 4G/LTE options starting at RRP of 249 EUR and 279 EUR

Accessories

  • Nokia Portable Wireless Speaker 2 will be available in Ireland from for RRP of 59.99 EUR

Circular is available for select devices from Nokia.com/phones in the UK and Germany with global roll out planned in the coming months. Check local availability.