Computing accessories have been getting better and better. They focus on convenience, ergonomic design, modern styling, and comfort. The companies that make them are also becoming more environmentally conscious and using recycled materials in the manufacturing process as well as eliminating plastic packaging. This is a move in the right direction and some of the top brands are on board in a big way for 2024.
Targus, for example, has added several new products to its EcoSmart line that incorporates the ocean-bound plastics. This involves the use of recycled plastic bottles that would otherwise find their way into landfills and waterways. The company says through the EcoSmart line to date, it has already diverted 18.5 million water bottles. New to the line is the Coastline EcoSmart Collection of laptop bags as well as the Coastline Backpack. All are made using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester created from certified ocean-bound plastic. Even the internal lining is made from recycled PET.
Targus has also launched the ErgoFlip EcoSmart mouse, which is not only made using recycled materials, it also offers an ambidextrous design. Take it apart, flip it around, and you can use it both right- and left-handed.
Kensington is focusing on sustainability in a big way as well with a line of backpacks, laptop cases, and sleeves as well as other computing accessories that take the environment into consideration. The carrying products are made using ocean-bound plastic bottles as well as PCR polyester. The new Pro Fit Ergo KB675 TKL rechargeable keyboard is also made using recycled plastic and comes in plastic-free packaging.
Scosche is known more for its mobile accessories, but things like its modular charging stands are perfect for the home office, positioned on your desk to power up all your essential devices. This year, the company is also launching a new line of PowerVolt wall chargers that feature GaN technology for more efficient charging. They are also made using 75% certified post-consumer recycled plastics. There are options from the single port 30W charger to a 150W four-port power desk charger you can use for your laptop.
The entire new line of charging products from Belkin is made with a minimum of 75% PCR materials and all come in plastic-free packaging. Among the new accessories is the BoostCharge Pro 4-Port USB-C GaN Charger that boasts a whopping 200W power for charging up everything you need for the workday, including even gaming laptops (for downtime, of course). It’s also great to pop into your carry-on and use while traveling. This item is coming in March 2024.
You’ll find a wide selection of computing accessories from Satechi, many of which are designed to perfectly match Apple MacBooks and iMac computers, though some can be used with any computer set-up. While the 3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 wireless charging stand is made with premium materials like an aluminum enclosure, it does incorporate a vegan leather base alongside a soft silicone charging puck. Designed to accommodate an iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, it also supports the new Qi2 charging standard, which means your iPhone will charge at a 15W rate, even wirelessly, which is much more efficient. Available in Q2, it’s the perfect desk accessory for someone who owns and uses multiple Apple devices.
While we generally consider desktops and laptops to be our main computing devices, premium mobile products like tablets and smartphones are often just as powerful and allow for computing on the go. One brand in this space that takes the environment into account is Otterbox. The new line of elegant cases are made of what it calls “cactus leather.” The Symmetry Series Cactus Leather cases use materials harvested from the mature pads of the nopal cactus. The plant remains alive, continuing to absorb CO2. The production of these plants in general requires less land, water, and resources. Looking at the cases, which I had the chance to do at CES 2024 earlier this month, you can tell they aren’t traditional soft leather. But they do look stylish and professional, and they are just as durable. They even have built-in magnets for connecting to MagSafe chargers and accessories. The Otterbox Symmetry Series cactus leather cases will be available in the spring for the latest model iPhones. Otterbox also has a line of MagSafe wallets and Apple Watch bands in the new cactus leather finish so you can outfit all your Apple devices in matching style.
Sustainability Will Continue
As many companies refocus their efforts on sustainability across the board in tech, we expect to see more and more computing accessories taking advantage of the trend. It’s more than doable to incorporate recycled materials in the manufacturing process, keeping them out of oceans and landfills. These products aren’t 100% sustainable, but companies are looking to include more and more recycled materials in each new selection of products.
With brands like Apple really focusing on sustainability efforts – the company recently got rid of all its leather accessories and launched carbon neutral versions of the Apple Watch – others will be taking note and following suit.
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