HMD Global, the maker of Nokia devices, has unveiled four new devices and an eco-friendly subscription service at IFA 2022 in Berlin.
The subscription service, called Circular, encourages people to keep their phones and tablets longer by offering them eco-friendly rewards that they can use to plant trees, remove plastic from rivers, or provide a connection to those in need.
In doing so, Circular will reduce e-waste and, in turn, minimize the negative impact that phone ownership can have on the planet, said HMD Global.
The subscription service comes with a £30 setup fee, with phones and tablets then available at a range of prices from £10 a month.
HMD Global also unveiled four new devices at IFA, including its greenest smartphone yet, the Nokia X30 5G, which is made from 100 percent recycled aluminum and 65 percent recycled plastic.
‘Subscribe to change’: HMD Global, the maker of Nokia devices, lets phone users ‘enjoy environmental rewards’ with new subscription service
Pictured is the Nokia stand at IFA 2022, which takes place from September 2nd to 6th in Berlin
HMD Global, the maker of Nokia devices, has unveiled four new devices and an eco-friendly subscription service called Circular
Nokia phones are now released by HMD Global, which acquired the rights to the Nokia brand name in December 2016.
“At HMD Global, home of Nokia phones, we want people to keep their phones longer and this shows in three areas,” said Florian Seiche, CEO of HMD Global.
“We launched 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 build on our legacy of durability with software and security updates.
“And we work hard to live that approach as a company, with our company-wide Sustainability Pledges, which demonstrate our commitment to continue to work harder to protect the future.”
Circular will recycle, refurbish and resubscribe devices returned to the company or donate them to charity to prevent them from going to landfill.
Made from 100 percent recycled aluminum and 65 percent recycled plastic, the Nokia X30 5G (pictured) is the greenest smartphone yet
Circular will recycle, refurbish and resubscribe devices returned to the company or donate them to charity to prevent them from going to landfill. This will help reduce the huge global burden of e-waste or e-waste (file photo).
The scheme rewards users with more “seeds” the longer they keep a device. These seeds can then be used to support sustainability or charitable efforts around the world.
This includes planting trees or reducing carbon, supporting a company that removes plastic from rivers, or providing connectivity to those in need.
Accidental damage, lost or stolen devices are covered by HMD Global as part of the subscription at no additional cost.
“Sustainability is important to customers when it comes to connected electronics,” said Ben Wood, analyst at CCS Insight.
“CCS Insight research shows that around half of consumers in key European markets believe that making products that last longer is helpful and good for the environment.
“HMD continues to encourage consumers to keep their devices longer and with Circular it also means devices don’t end up in landfill.
“Electronic waste is an issue that the entire industry needs to address and services like Circular are a positive step in creating change.”
Coinciding with the announcement of Circular, Nokia also introduced a new tablet and three new Nokia smartphones.
The new £249 Nokia G60 5G (pictured) also contains a significant amount of recycled materials
Nokia C31 (pictured), which has a three-day battery life and costs €129 in European markets, although UK availability is “to be determined”.
The Nokia X30 5G, which starts at £399, is made from 100 percent recycled aluminum and 65 percent recycled plastic and comes in packaging made from 94 percent recycled paper.
It will be available in the UK from the end of September with a Circular subscription for £25 a month.
Joining the new range is the Nokia C31, which has a three-day battery life and costs €129 in European markets, although UK availability is “to be determined”.
Also unveiled are the £249 Nokia G60 5G, which also features a significant amount of recycled materials, and the Nokia T21 tablet.
HMD Global says: “Designed with a durable aluminum body that features a 60% recycled plastic antenna cover, the new Nokia T21 offers all the durability and promises you would expect from a Nokia tablet.”
The Nokia T21, which starts at £189, is designed with a durable aluminum body made from 60 per cent recycled plastic.
Circular and the Nokia G60 5G are available today, but the other phones and tablets will be available at a later date.
HMD Global confirmed that some existing Nokia devices will be available with Circular.
