In this podcast update from Oslo Innovation Week, Mark Stinson reports on a presentation by Camilla Gramstad, Head of Sustainability at Elkjøp, Scandinavia's largest consumer electronics retailer. Here's a summary of the key points covered:
- Camilla's presentation sheds light on Elkjop's sustainability commitment to promoting the circular economy in the consumer electronics retail industry.
- Elkjøp operates 414 stores across six countries and employs around 12,000 people.
- The focus of the presentation was on how electronics fit into the circular economy, considering the raw materials, recycling, upgrading, and repairing of electronic products.
- Electronics are a priority product group in the circular economy, given the materials used and their environmental impact.
- Approximately 5.3 billion phones were discarded globally the previous year, leading to increased governmental regulations in Nordic countries.
- Elkjøp's mission is to enable everyone to enjoy technology, emphasizing a vision of being the best partner for customers.
- Four key aspects of Elkjøp's approach include ease of finding products, ease of purchase with sustainability in mind, convenience in receiving products and installation, and providing support and service.
- Elkjøp focuses on spare parts, repairs, trade-ins, recycling assistance, and improving the overall circular nature of the product lifecycle.
- Camilla had to leave the presentation early to meet with the Secretary of State to discuss government collaboration on these sustainability initiatives. They propose reducing or eliminating VAT on repairs to incentivize customers to repair rather than discard products.
- The day also featured case studies from NAV and InnoBoost, highlighting various approaches to the circular economy.
