Fix It, Don’t Throw It

Compared to 20 or even 10 years ago, current smartphones look like technological marvels, mainly because they really are. However, the drive to cram ever more capabilities into these devices, while making them dust- and water-resistant, had the side effect of making repairs increasingly difficult, causing a growing e-waste issue, not to mention the financial drain.

Recently, the pendulum has been swinging in the opposite direction. Companies have been taking repairability ever more seriously, and chief among them is HMD. Therefore, we recently met Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, SVP of HMD Global – Europe and AMEA, and he provided further details about his company’s push toward repair-driven sustainability.

HMD talks a lot about sustainability, but what does that actually mean in action?

Sustainability is in our DNA; it is not an afterthought. It influences how we design, package, ship, and service our products. From reducing packaging waste to utilizing recyclable materials, we take a whole lifecycle approach.

We take a holistic approach: sustainability involves both protecting the planet and enabling people to improve their lives without harming the Earth. That’s why we partner with organizations that share our vision. For instance, in Africa, our collaboration with M-KOPA has increased financial inclusion through smartphone microfinancing. We are also reducing emissions by shifting deliveries from air to sea freight.

We are proud to have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum Medal for 2025 – for the fourth consecutive year (2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025). This recognition positions HMD among the top 1% of businesses globally for sustainability practices, a benchmark we take seriously and continually strive to improve.

HMD is one of the few brands offering self-repairable phones. What was the thinking behind that?

We wanted to challenge the idea that phones should be replaced every year. Instead, why not make them fixable? With select HMD devices, users can replace their own screens, batteries, and ports using basic tools and guides.

This makes repairability affordable and accessible, not just for tech enthusiasts but also for everyday users. It extends product life, helps to avoid unnecessary consumption of resources such as raw materials and energy, reduces e-waste, and gives people control over their devices again.

It is a journey we have been on for several years now, and with the HMD Skyline, we introduced a new opening mechanism that made user repair easier and quicker than ever before, utilizing a specialized camshaft design for enhanced accessibility.

How does HMD manage to balance affordability with sustainability?

We believe sustainability should not come at a premium. Our goal is to make responsibly made tech available to everyone, not just a niche group.

We build what people need: devices that are durable, secure, affordable, and made with the environment in mind. Whether it is a parent buying their child’s first phone or a business outfitting a team, we want to offer smart, practical options.

You also talk about ‘digital detox’. How does that connect to sustainability?

It is all part of what we call our human-first philosophy. Digital wellness is becoming increasingly important, especially as screen time continues to grow.

Our phones feature digital detox tools that help people unplug, reduce notifications, and reclaim focus. Sustainability is not just about the environment; it is also about fostering a healthier relationship with technology.

What role does the Middle East play in HMD’s sustainability journey?

The Middle East is a forward-looking region where innovation meets tradition. We are witnessing a sharp rise in value-conscious and environmentally aware consumers who are questioning the fast-tech cycle and seeking better alternatives.

Our approach — one that prioritizes durability, repairability, and affordability — aligns perfectly with the expectations of today’s Middle Eastern customers.

What is next for HMD on the sustainability front?

We will continue to expand our repairable portfolio, increase the use of recycled materials, and minimize waste across the board.

However, in the long term, our goal is to influence industry standards, demonstrating that sustainable, user-friendly technology is not only possible but also preferable.

People do not want more technology; they want better technology. Something they can trust, repair, and hold on to. That is what HMD is about: building mobile devices that respect both the user and the planet.