Dutch Radboud University standardises Fairphone for staff devices

Durability and lifecycle extension

Fairphone’s modular design plays a central role in the university’s decision. Components such as batteries and screens can be easily replaced, extending the usable life of devices and reducing the frequency of full replacements. The manufacturer’s use of recycled and responsibly sourced materials, including plastics and aluminium, aligns with institutional sustainability targets focused on lowering environmental impact across the IT estate. Attention to labour conditions within Fairphone’s supply chain further reinforces the ethical dimension of the procurement strategy.

Reuse alongside standardisation

While Fairphone becomes the default corporate device, Radboud University is also continuing controlled reuse practices. Where possible, previously issued Samsung smartphones that meet technical and age requirements will be redeployed internally. This approach ensures that functional devices remain in active use rather than entering premature recycling streams. Apple iPhone devices already in circulation will continue to be supported until they no longer function adequately, although returned Apple iPhone units will no longer be reissued to other employees.

Operational efficiency gains

The move to a single standard model is expected to streamline procurement, inventory management, and support operations. By reducing the number of device types in circulation, the university can maintain smaller inventories, simplify documentation, and shorten response times for incidents and replacements. Concentrating device issuance and support within the Information and Library Services division further strengthens consistency in service delivery and reduces the need for ongoing training across multiple brands and models.

Circular strategy in practice

Fairphone’s five-year warranty and software support extending up to eight years closely match Radboud University’s broader circularity strategy, which prioritises prolonged use and reuse of ICT hardware. Longer support windows delay obsolescence and contribute to lower total cost of ownership over time. As institutional buyers increasingly assess lifecycle costs rather than upfront pricing alone, such models gain relevance within professional device fleets.

Implications for secondary markets

Radboud University’s decision highlights how large organisations can influence secondary smartphone markets through procurement policy. By prioritising durability, repairability, and reuse, institutional demand can support more mature recommerce flows and reinforce the business case for modular device design. The move underscores the growing role of public sector and educational institutions in shaping sustainable practices across the global used electronics ecosystem.