Inside reMarkable

Here's what we're made of

We want all our components to be as sustainable as possible. Which raises a challenging question...

4 min read
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What’s more sustainable: A product that’s built to last? or one made from recycled materials that breaks or often needs repair, significantly increasing emissions? We think the right answer requires a balance, which is what we look for when we evaluate all the individual components that make up our products.

Smarter materials

The design of reMarkable Paper Pro features some important sustainability breakthroughs when it comes to recycled materials. One of the main improvements can be seen in the battery, which is made from 50% recycled cobalt. This change reduces cobalt production emissions by an estimated 31%, and also significantly lowers any social risk related to the extraction of minerals. The recycled cobalt used in reMarkable Paper Pro’s batteries is independently verified and certified.

The outer material used for the Book and Type Folios is 100% recycled polyester. The premium polymer weave and mosaic weave finishes are a great example of the type of product material that meets the high standards we have for quality and durability, while also being sustainable. The recycled polyester used in our Folios is also independently verified and certified.

Sustainable components

Each individual component has been examined for potential sustainability gains, with the mindset that every little bit helps. The antenna slot in reMarkable Paper Pro has also been designed with 35% recycled plastic, and while this means only 4.6% of the plastic in the device is recycled, it contributes to reducing the overall production emissions.

Our paper tablets also need to make their way into the hands of customers, which is another aspect of the process we evaluate on an ongoing basis to find new sustainable possibilities. A part of this is packaging, and just like with product development, finding the right balance of durability and sustainable materials is key. That’s why reMarkable Paper Pro and all its accessories are delivered in fully recyclable packaging made of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) mix recycled paper.

Each material goes through an evaluation process that includes drop tests, bend tests, motion wear assessments, UV exposure testing, exposure to water, as well as abrasion and chemical resistance tests. Comparisons between materials help us form an idea of the level of quality, which is then tested again through user testing. Needless to say, anything that ends up in the final product meets the high bar we set in terms of quality.

Durability and sustainability

To make our products more sustainable we also need to find new ways to make them more durable. Based on feedback from reMarkable 2, a number of design changes were made for reMarkable Paper Pro to improve the overall durability of our latest paper tablet and all its accessories. Changes to the aluminum frame, power button location, and charging port location make reMarkable Paper Pro more resistant to incidental damage. The all new Marker and Marker Plus, as well as the new Book Folios also feature a sturdier design than their predecessors, and the new Marker strap along with greater magnetic strength ensures the Markers are secure.

As we gain more experience and understanding in this space, we’re able to push the boundaries even further and create more sustainable solutions. As a technology company invested in sustainability, we’re excited about what comes next in the product design space, and how we can continue to find new ways to rethink our products for the better. We think this is just the start.

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