Fairphone calls for collaboration with mission-driven companies
Panel discussion with Queen Maxima at the King Willem I Prize award ceremony.
Published on May 30, 2025
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Governments play a crucial role in accelerating the impact of mission-driven companies, for example, by collaborating and taking measures such as strengthening Right to Repair legislation, introducing ambitious eco-design rules, and standardizing parts and connectors. This was the core of Fairphone's message during the panel discussion that took place during Queen Máxima's visit to the Amsterdam-based electronics company's headquarters.
Her visit was marked by the awarding of the King Willem I Prize 2024 to Fairphone, a leader in sustainable electronics, in the category of Sustainable Entrepreneurship.
Led by Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck, Queen Máxima, Marieke Snoep (Chief Consumer Market KPN), Fei Dong (Managing Director of T2M Mobile), and Chris Janssen (State Secretary for Public Transport and the Environment) discussed current topics such as ethical production, technological innovation, the social impact of electronics, and the crucial role of government policy.
Make it scalable
Fairphone's CEO emphasized the importance of structural government support in stimulating sustainable business and making it scalable. “As a leading European manufacturer of ethical and sustainable electronics, we demonstrate that the development of high-quality technology goes hand in hand with respect for the planet and fair sourcing,” said Raymond van Eck.
"Awards such as the King Willem I Award confirm that we are on the right track with our mission. This opens doors and offers us, as was evident this afternoon during the roundtable discussion with Queen Máxima, a valuable platform to advocate for a fairer electronics industry and to inspire governments worldwide to take the lead in promoting sustainable and ethical business practices.
Marieke Snoep, member of the KPN Executive Board and responsible for the Consumer Market: “Our customers increasingly value sustainability, which is a core pillar of our mission for a Better Internet: safer, more inclusive, and greener.”