The Eco Rating score is a number used to indicate the environmental performance of mobile phones and is based on an objective assessment of both life cycle and environmental impact indicators.
The highest possible score is 100 for maximum environmental performance. So, the closer the score is to 100 the better is the environmental performance of the device. This indicator can be used as a guideline when purchasing devices with the lowest impact to the environment.
The Eco Rating label will also present five other assessments, covering 1) extraction of raw materials and production, 2) packaging and 3) transport, through to 4) durability during use and 5) how effectively the device can be recycled at the end of its life:
This is the first stage that contains the implications of the recourses being extracted, e.g. In mines. The more recycled materials and the lesser the amount of scarce resources used, the better the Eco Rating would be.
Manufacturing is the stage in which the different components of the mobile phone are produced and put together to become the finished product. This includes the packaging (plastic) and accessories (charger, cable).
Once the device assembly is finished, the product is shipped from "somewhere" in the world to your local country. The distance and the transportation types (ship or plane) are considered and its implication (e.g. C02 emission) are carefully evaluated.
During this stage, you hold the device in your hand and use it for many years. Here we assess the positive environmental capabilities of its device such as durability, upgradability and reparability but also its implication such as energy consumptions/charging.
This last stage looks after the environmental aspects when you decided to "throw away" the device in the recycling bin. This includes if the devices can be easily refurbished or if its metals and the plastics can recycled.