How To Choose An Eco-Friendly Laptop

Sep 18, 2024

Choosing an eco-friendly laptop contributes to both the environment and human health in various ways, and it also influences the tech industry to produce green solutions. Eco-friendly laptops often have ecolabels, employ less-hazardous production processes and materials, are built with sustainable design, and are more durable. So what are some factors to could consider when choosing an eco-friendly laptop? Read on to find out!

When choosing an eco-friendly laptop, take note of the materials used in its construction. Materials that are easier to recycle, less toxic, and/or more durable contribute to the eco-friendliness of a product. As an example, the lid and base of Zenbook DUO, the innovative dual-screen laptop, is made with 90% post-industrial recycled (PIR) magnesium-aluminum alloy. Then, there’s the most eco-friendly ASUS laptop ever made: The Zenbook S 13 OLED. Its lid and base are made of PIR aluminum, its speakers are made of recycled ocean-bound plastic and post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, and its keycaps are also made of PCR plastics.

ASUS used approximately 12,643 tons of plastic in our core products and 829 tons of it were PCR plastics. Until 2023, we have used over 2,400 tons of PCR plastics ever since 2017 and achieved an accumulated reduction of over 17,000 tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e).

Eco-friendly materials can also improve durability. For example, the high-tech ceramic-like material exclusively developed by ASUS, Ceraluminum™, is more resistant to scratch and wear compared to conventional anodized aluminum. Not only does it make the laptop exterior more durable, it also gives the laptop a premium look while feeling smooth and warm to the touch. Plus, the process used to apply the Ceraluminum™ creates a pattern that’s unique to every piece. One ASUS laptop that features this finish is the Zenbook S 16, which comes in two colors: Zumaia Gray and Scandinavian White. The Ceraluminum™ material embodies the toughness of aluminum and the stony texture of ceramic, making it a tasteful, durable piece.

There are many factors in a product’s packaging that can contribute to its sustainability. Streamlining the package and minimalizing used space through a more compact arrangement of parts, using more recyclable packaging materials, or making some pieces usable as, for example, a stand for the product is another way to create more sustainable packaging.

More than 90% of the materials used for ASUS laptops packaging is made from recycled pulp. ASUS started using FSC™-certified (Forest Stewardship Council certified) materials since 2020 and has used 300 tons in 2023. Laptops such as Zenbook DUO or Zenbook S 13 OLED use all-paper FSC™-certified packaging, and part of the Zenbook S 13 OLED packaging inserts can be upscaled into a laptop stand – creating a win-win for the user and the environment! To learn more about how ASUS continuously pursues more sustainable packaging, check out this article.

Ecolabels help consumers identify products that are less environmentally impactful. ASUS has invested great amounts of R&D effort into meeting and exceeding requirements of ecolabels such as EPEAT and ENERGY STAR®. EPEAT products are evaluated on 10 categories ― substance management, material selection, design for end of life, product longevity, energy conservation, end-of-life management, packaging, lifecycle assessment and carbon footprint, corporate environmental performance, and corporate social responsibility. Products are eligible for registration as EPEAT Bronze, Silver, or Gold, based on points accumulated during an evaluation process involving the 10 categories noted above. Zenbook DUO and Zenbook S 13 OLED are both registered as EPEAT Gold, which means they meet the most demanding EPEAT requirements.

ENERGY STAR® is an ecolabel that indicates the energy-efficiency of a product. Energy-efficiency contributes to the reduction of product carbon footprint. Zenbook S 13 OLED and Zenbook DUO exceed ENERGY STAR® energy-efficiency standards by 60% and 43%, respectively. In 2023, the average energy efficiency of ASUS’s key products exceeded ENERGY STAR® standards by 42%.

Besides EPEAT and ENERGY STAR®, ASUS invests much effort into acquiring other ecolabels by continuing to enhance product sustainability. To learn more about the ecolabels secured for ASUS products, check out this article.

Recycle and reuse programs that extend the lifespan of products ease environmental impacts. ASUS has a Global Take Back service in 30 countries worldwide, including greater China, Europe, the Americas, India, and Oceania, and covers over 82% of our market in sales.

In 2023, we recycled over 12,042 tons of e-waste through our Global Take Back Service. Some electronics that were to be discarded or recycled were instead refurbished and then donated or sent to places where digital resources are lacking.

Military-grade testing ensures the durability of a product. During this type of testing, products are placed in extreme conditions and their performance is measured. Choosing products that are tested to these standards contributes to eco-friendliness because it means the product is likely to last longer. ASUS laptops pass military grade testing standards that include 12 test methods and 26 procedures. These include shock, vibration, humidity, altitude tests and more.

The fact that ASUS laptops have undergone strict conditions and survived to make it to the hands of customers is especially beneficial for users who are constantly on the go, or creators who need to produce content while navigating harsh environments. The new lineup of ProArt laptops are now made more versatile than ever and have all been Military Grade tested, making them perfect for outdoor creation.

Identifying eco-friendly laptops through these metrics can help you filter out less environmentally friendly options. Choosing an eco-friendly laptop offers direct and indirect benefits when it comes to sustainability. For tips about how to go green and use less paper with the help of digital devices, click the link below!