A case study of the D4R laptop

The D4R (Design for recycling, repair, refurbishment and reuse) laptop was developed in conjunction with MicroPro Computers (MPC), a Dublin-based computer manufacturer. MPC formed an industrial network with end-of-life information technology (IT) asset management firms, IT refurbishers, component manufacturers and local industries to produce a new design that has created a new use for their wastes, thus turning waste into resources. This has been made possible through: D4R product design features that facilitate integration of by-product materials and components into the manufacturing process; the creation of an industrial network of suppliers and local assembly agencies permitting industrial metabolism of by-product materials and components into state-of-the-art laptop products; and the creation of a resource exchange platform that increases the visibility of by-products to be incorporated in newly manufactured systems. MPC has been able to successfully manufacture a universal shell composed of a motherboard and a six-cell lithium battery, encapsulated in a wooden housing structure. The shell is capable of accepting new laptop system components and also has the ability to integrate various diverse parts and components, and parts and components of different specifications. The proposed manufacturing model illustrates an entirely novel approach to industrial networking in computer manufacturing for the purpose of eliminating waste and creating valuable by-products.