Knowing that 80% of a product's environmental impact can be mitigated in the design stage , the decision on the type of materials to use in our products was not just another decision. There were multiple factors to consider and weigh in the decision making: we needed the final result, both aesthetically and functionally, to be optimal and that at the same time the environmental impact turned out to be the lowest possible throughout the entire product life cycle.

The virgin plastics used in 99.99% of electronics worldwide are of fossil origin, a non-renewable source whose exploitation is unsustainable, and therefore never an option for Hune. Faced with this scenario, two viable alternatives emerged. After in-depth research and advice, supported by three critical lines of analysis, the conclusion was obvious.

0 1. Adaptation to the electronic industry

The main characteristic that the materiality had to present was its compatibility with the Technical Requirements of Electronic Devices and industrial standards. That is to say: comply with the appropriate physical and chemical properties that guarantee the safety of the devices and their users, throughout their useful life; showing heat resistance and electrical insulation.

While the use of the appropriate type of plastic (recycled or virgin, in this case it does not differ) guarantees correct and safe operation, plastics of biological origin, such as those made with straw fiber or potato starch, may present limitations in achieving standards of performance in applications that demand high levels of durability, mechanical resistance, or stability in adverse environmental conditions. Due to the inherent properties of biological materials, which are less robust compared to synthetic polymers, they are often mixed with synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and other resins, to overcome some of these limitations, improving their physical and mechanical properties, but compromising its main characteristic, biodegradability, losing weight in the discussion.

0 2. Impact on production

Bioplastics are derived from biological materials such as crops (corn, sugar cane, potatoes) or cellulose obtained from trees. This means that unlike conventional petroleum-derived plastics, these come from renewable sources, which in principle suggests a clear environmental advantage.

However, the global transition towards the use of bioplastics and their large-scale production could have significant environmental implications. It would be forced (even more) the expansion of the agricultural frontier, making extensive use of land for the plantation of monocultures and intensive agricultural practices associated with the production of raw materials to satisfy the high demand, directly influencing, not only a growth in deforestation, but also a high consumption of water resources, loss of biodiversity, soil degradation and reduction in land availability for food agriculture, thus posing a dilemma that is difficult to answer.

Meanwhile, there is excess plastic available waiting to be recovered to give it a new useful life. By using post-consumer recycled plastic, we avoid deepening extractive practices while preventing our lands and oceans from being flooded with discarded plastics.

In turn, manufacturing products from recycled plastic requires significantly less energy and resources compared to producing new materials, whether virgin plastic or biodegradable alternatives. This results in a lower carbon footprint associated with its production, aligning with global greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

Faced with the challenge of guaranteeing the origin of the raw material, it is important to have certifications that support it, that is why Hune requires all our production partners to have the GRS certification that supports that the raw material used in our products is of post-consumer recycled origin .

03. Life cycle and recyclability

Not all that glitters is gold. The narrative around the biodegradability of products, although seductive in its essence, raises critical questions about its actual implementation in our fight against pollution. The use of plant-based plastic must understand beyond the benefits of the point of origin and evaluate its full life cycle. Labels are not enough; It is crucial to understand whether it can indeed be decomposed by microorganisms in a reasonable time frame. This process, no matter how “simple” it may seem, actually requires specialized facilities for its proper management. Although biodegradable materials may seem like an attractive option for reducing waste accumulation, the current waste management infrastructure in most parts of the world is not adequately equipped to handle large-scale composting of these types of materials.

Faced with this scenario, post-consumer recycled plastic emerges as a tangible and effective solution. Managed through existing recycling systems, it offers a pragmatic solution in which its reintegration into the production chain not only prolongs its useful life in a more sustainable way, but also reduces the demand for extraction and handling of primary materials .

To be put into practice, and close the loop, it is crucial to promote the active participation of the user in the recycling process at the end of the product's useful life. In countries like Mexico (where the brand was launched for the first time) where recycling customs are not established and government policy does not require or facilitate correct waste management, Hune emphasizes the importance of awareness and facilitates the correct management of “waste” through collaborations with programs such as JER  and the recycling practices carried out by REMSA, to recover materials and reintroduce raw materials to the productive chain, moving towards sustainability goals.

Adopting this vision not only reflects a commitment to reducing the environmental footprint, but also marks a step forward towards the materialization of sustainable practices that comprehensively respond to contemporary environmental challenges. Nobody is perfect, and we are not the exception, but we understand that today, aware of having made a choice subject to constant re-evaluation as there is innovation in materials and processes, the most responsible way to make electronic casings is how we do it. in Hune, with post-consumer recycled plastic with certification of origin.