D4R laptop - Industrial networks and eco-design to maximise reuse and eliminate waste

The D4R laptop Case Study (CS) is presented by MicroPro Computers, a Dublin-based computer manufacturer. MicroPro have designed and manufactured a universal shell consisting of an upgradeable universal motherboard and 6 cell lithium battery, encapsulated in a wooden housing structure incorporating by-product plywood from the automobile industry. The laptop shell is capable of integrating secondary components from laptops recovered by social economy enterprises. In addition to product development and the setting up to the industrial network, the CS will pilot a lease based business model, where partner companies in different regions provide a localised repair, upgrading and take-back service to customers, ensuring positive economic feedback for network partners for their D4R efforts. The study highlights three novel concepts in industrial networks that have never before been demonstrated; it is being conducted on an international basis; it is being conducted by SME's; it demonstrates manufacturing with low entropy waste materials.