The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.

Fairphone’s 2025 impact report highlights efforts to improve labor conditions within its supply chain, where electronics workers often face unsafe environments and poverty wages. The company’s "Fair to People" strategy prioritizes living wages, safety standards, and worker representation, with 11,084 individuals benefiting from fairer conditions last year alone.

The Living Wage Bonus program, introduced in 2019, ensures workers receive a 100% living wage by covering the difference in hourly pay. In 2025, Fairphone distributed $215,000 in bonuses, directly supporting 1,650 workers across five supplier factories, bringing the total paid to over $1.25 million since the program’s inception.

Safety improvements were also a focus in 2025, with nearly 9,000 workers experiencing enhanced workplace conditions. Fairphone guided suppliers in hazard prevention and fire preparedness, helping one factory achieve ISO45001 certification. Additionally, the company eliminated all CEPN round two priority chemicals in final assemblies as part of the Towards Zero Exposure program.

Fairphone extends its commitment to fairness beyond manufacturing, supporting artisanal miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo through cobalt and copper credits. The company also explores partnerships to improve conditions for informal e-waste pickers, including pre-financing models and protective equipment. In June 2026, Fairphone was named a Leading Employer in the Netherlands for 2026 by the Institute of Research & Data Aggregation.