Sofia Martinez
Laptops are made from a variety of materials, including plastics, metals, and carbon fiber. The specific type of plastic used in laptop casings can vary, but it is typically a blend of ABS plastic and polycarbonate. ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a common choice due to its low cost and ease of manufacturing, but it is also fragile and prone to cracking. Polycarbonate is stronger and more durable, but it is more expensive. Markings inside the laptop case can sometimes indicate the material used. Other materials used in laptop construction include aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, and steel for more expensive models, and soft-touch coatings for a premium feel. Nearly all laptop components can be recycled, including plastics, metals, and precious metals like gold.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Laptop casings | Polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or a mixture of both |
| Laptop keys and bevels | Plastic |
| Chassis/Base | PC/ABS plastics, sometimes with carbon fiber mixed with polycarbonate plastics |
| Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), processors, and memory | Multiple types of plastics, fiberglass, and precious metals |
| Dell packaging trays | Recycled ocean plastics and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics |
| Recycling rate for electronics in the US | 27% |
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What You'll Learn
- Laptop casings are often made from ABS plastic, sometimes mixed with polycarbonate
- Apple laptops have used polycarbonate plastic, while older models used ABS plastic
- Dell laptop packaging trays are made from recycled ocean plastics and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics
- The chassis/base of a laptop is made from PC/ABS plastics
- Laptop keys and bevels are made from recyclable plastic
Laptop casings are often made from ABS plastic, sometimes mixed with polycarbonate
Some laptop casings are made from ABS plastic alone. For example, an older PowerBook model was made from ABS plastic. However, combining ABS plastic with polycarbonate creates a stronger product.
Polycarbonate is also used on its own in laptop casings. Apple's plastic laptops are made from polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is more expensive than ABS plastic, but it is stronger.
Laptop casings can also be made from other materials, such as metal or carbon fibre mixed with polycarbonate. Metal laptop casings are usually more expensive than plastic ones. The most popular metals for laptop casings are magnesium alloy, aluminium alloy, and steel. A cheaper option is to use a thin metal sheet on top of a plastic base, creating a "metallic finish".
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Apple laptops have used polycarbonate plastic, while older models used ABS plastic
The MacBook was sold for only a short time, having been discontinued in mid-2011 after the introduction of the MacBook Air. Apple's transition from plastic to aluminium allowed MacBooks to become incredibly thin while retaining stiffness and a premium look and feel. However, some have argued that Apple should revisit polycarbonate materials for their laptops, citing the potential for an infinite number of colour options and the fact that polycarbonate is less energy-intensive than aluminium to work with.
Polycarbonate is not the only type of plastic used in laptops. ABS plastic, for example, is commonly used for laptop chassis or bases. Additionally, some laptops feature carbon fibre mixed with polycarbonate plastics to keep the base cool to the touch. While polycarbonate laptops may offer certain advantages, such as a wider range of colour options and reduced energy intensity in production, aluminium laptops provide benefits such as thinness, stiffness, and a premium appearance and feel.
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Dell laptop packaging trays are made from recycled ocean plastics and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics
Dell has been working to address the problem of plastics in global oceans and waterways. The company has set itself the ambitious goal of making 100% of its packaging and 50% of its products from recycled or renewable materials by 2030. Dell's laptop packaging trays are a testament to this commitment, as they are made from recycled ocean plastics and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics.
The process of creating these packaging trays begins with the collection of ocean plastics by entrepreneurial pickers, volunteer groups, and professional recycling organizations. These waste processors aggregate and sort the plastics before they undergo processing and refinement to ensure a clean supply. Dell then mixes the ocean plastic with recycled HDPE plastics in a 1:3 ratio, ensuring that any impurities in the ocean plastics do not compromise the quality or chemical composition of the final product.
The resin created from this mixture is made entirely from recycled-content plastics, with 25% being ocean plastics. This resin is molded into trays that are both functional and environmentally friendly. The initial launch of these trays was with the XPS 13 2-in-1 notebook, and these trays are curbside recyclable in many places, contributing to a circular economy.
The use of recycled ocean plastics in Dell's laptop packaging trays not only helps to keep plastic out of the oceans but also reduces the need for new plastic production. By incorporating recycled materials, Dell is taking a significant step towards sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of its products. This initiative aligns with Dell's take-back programs, which prioritize the reuse of materials, ensuring that old laptop parts can be recycled into new ones.
In addition to laptop packaging, Dell has incorporated recycled ocean-bound plastics into various products, including technology, office furniture, EcoLoop carrying cases, and the fan housing of certain Latitude, Precision, and OptiPlex products. The company has also co-founded NextWave Plastics, a consortium committed to developing a commercially scalable supply chain to keep plastics out of the ocean. These efforts demonstrate Dell's dedication to environmental stewardship and its commitment to nurturing the planet.
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The chassis/base of a laptop is made from PC/ABS plastics
The chassis/base of a laptop is typically made from PC/ABS plastics. This plastic is a blend of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, commonly known as ABS. This combination of plastics results in a sturdy and durable material that can withstand everyday use and protect the internal components of the laptop.
PC/ABS plastics are widely used in laptop manufacturing due to their advantageous properties. Polycarbonate is known for its impact resistance and toughness, making it ideal for protecting the delicate electronics within the laptop. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) contributes to the strength and rigidity of the chassis, ensuring that the laptop's base maintains its structural integrity even under stress or pressure.
Additionally, PC/ABS plastics offer some degree of flexibility, which is crucial in laptop design. This flexibility allows for the inclusion of ports, vents, and other openings in the chassis without compromising the overall strength of the structure. It also enables the creation of ergonomic designs, ensuring that the laptop is comfortable to use and carry.
The use of PC/ABS plastics in laptop chassis/base construction also facilitates the recycling process. These plastics can be recycled and reused in new parts, contributing to sustainability and reducing electronic waste. Some laptop manufacturers, such as Dell, have implemented recycling programs that prioritize reusing and recycling materials, including PC/ABS plastics, from old laptops.
Furthermore, PC/ABS plastics can be metallized through electroplating or electroless plating processes. This metallization enhances the aesthetic and functional aspects of the laptop's chassis. For example, copper plating improves thermal and electrical conductivity, while gold plating offers corrosion resistance, heat shielding, and improved electrical conductivity.
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Laptop keys and bevels are made from recyclable plastic
The chassis or base of a laptop is made from PC/ABS plastics, which can be recycled. Some laptops also use carbon fibre mixed with polycarbonate plastics to keep the base cool. This material is not widely recycled but can be used in waste-to-energy processes.
Dell, for example, has take-back programs that prioritize the reuse of materials. The company also uses recycled plastics in its packaging trays for shipping laptops.
Nearly everything in a computer can be recycled. Recycling aluminium, for example, takes 95% less energy than processing new aluminium from raw materials. However, global estimates suggest that about 80% of e-waste still goes into landfills and incinerators, with the volume increasing by 40% per year.
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Frequently asked questions
Laptops are made of a variety of plastics, including ABS plastic, polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and PC/ABS plastics.
Laptop casings are often made of a mixture of ABS plastic and polycarbonate. This combination is durable, easy to manufacture, and cost-effective.
Yes, laptops also contain metals such as aluminium, magnesium, steel, and copper. Carbon fibre is sometimes mixed with plastics to keep the base cool, and ceramic or glossy coatings may be applied for decoration or functionality.
Yes, laptop plastics can be recycled. The process involves shredding, purification, and compounding with virgin plastics to create recycled-content plastic pellets. Dell, for example, has take-back programs that prioritise the reuse of materials.
You may find markings inside the laptop case indicating the material used. Alternatively, you can refer to the laptop's service manual or online resources specific to your laptop model.
