Acer launched its first environmentally-friendly laptop, the Aspire Vero, In 2021. This laptop embodies sustainability concepts and is designed to be upgradable, aligning with Acer's commitment to sustainable production and sustainable business practices.
Modern technology products are rapidly replaced, and the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing inevitably have certain environmental impacts. However, laptops have become an indispensable necessity in modern life, therefore, finding a balance between meeting these basic needs and environmental protection is an ongoing challenge that Acer is committed to addressing. In 2021, Acer introduced the Earthion initiative, collaborating closely with suppliers and partners to integrate environmental actions into the supply chain ecosystem, helping to address the environmental challenges faced by contemporary society. In 2021, Acer followed through its commitment by launching its first environmentally-friendly laptop, the Aspire Vero. This laptop embodies sustainability concepts and is designed to be upgradable, aligning with Acer's commitment to sustainable production and sustainable business practices.
In the product design of Aspire Vero, a circular strategy for recycled materials was considered. By incorporating a certain percentage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, ocean-bound plastic (OBP), and recyclable packaging materials, the use and circulation of renewable materials were enhanced, reducing the reliance on virgin materials. Simultaneously, the product's repairability was taken into account, with the inclusion of components that facilitate quick disassembly, repair, upgrades, and recycling. This provides consumers, businesses, and organizations with more options to reduce their environmental footprints.
1. Recycled/recyclable materials
- Acer utilizes PCR plastic in the manufacturing of the laptop's chassis, adapter, and keycaps, and will continue to increase the proportion of PCR material usage. The chassis, which contained 30% PCR plastic in the 2022 Aspire Vero (AV15-52), has been increased to 40% PCR plastic in the 2023 Aspire Vero 15 (AV15-53P). The adapters' housing and keycaps also incorporate 50% PCR plastic.
- Aspire Vero laptop has an OceanGlass™ touchpad made from 100% Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP).
- In addition, Acer also incorporates PCR materials into various product lines, including desktops, monitors, projectors, accessories, routers, and its subsidiary Acerpure air purifiers as well.
2. Easy to Repair and Maintain
Aspire Vero uses standard screws, allowing for an easy-to-repair, maintainance, and upgradable design that extends the product's lifespan.
3. Recycled/Recyclable Packaging Materials
- The packaging design incorporates a reduction in plastic usage, replacing traditional heat shrinkable film and transparent plastic bags with recycled paper.
- In 2023, Acer uses up to 90% recycled paper to manufacture the packaging box and employs 100% recycled paper pulp to make molded pulp cushion materials.
- Acer uses 100% recycled polyester to create laptop bags and keyboard sheets.
4. Reusable Packaging
- The inner partition is designed for reusability and can be transformed into an ergonomic laptop stand.
- The package box itself can be easily assembled and repurposed as a storage box or even a cat house.
- The paper-based cushion can be repurposed as a nursery pot, prolonging the lifespan of the package materials that should have been discarded after unboxing, and echoing Acer’s concept of circular design.
Benefits
Incorporating a certain proportion of PCR plastic and OBP contributes to the material's recycling loop. The use of PCR plastic has been increasing annually, reaching 17% in 2022. A cumulative total of 30 million devices have used PCR plastic from 2020 to 2022. Acer will continue to explore the possibility of replacing components with higher proportions of PCR plastic or OBP in various product lines.
According to PlasticsEurope Eco-profile reports, Aspire Vero 15 ( AV15-53) used 40% PCR materials in its chassis which contributes to a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions over a laptop chassis of the same weight made with 100% virgin plastic.
To reduce e-waste, Acer has lowered the amount of printed circuit board material used in Aspire Vero. From Aspire Vero 2022(AV15-52) to Aspire Vero 15 （AV15-53P）, there has been a 52% reduction in PCB surface area, which helps decrease associated resource consumption and environmental pollution during production.
Furthermore, the Aspire Vero features a paint-free chassis, reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can negatively impact air quality and human health. The built-in battery management application, VeroSense™, also optimizes energy efficiency through its four performance modes: Performance, Balanced, Eco, and Eco+).
