For video, audio and gaming products, based on the data inputs used, it was concluded that legal warranty period is the most appropriate data type for estimating products’ durability. We estimate that product durability for these products is equal to the warranty period at a minimum. In practice the products will often last longer than the minimum warranty period. The warranty period for these products differs, ranging from 1 to 5 years. Gaming and consumer products typically have 1-2 years warranty, video products typically have 2 years warranty, while selected Biz, BlueParrott and Engage headsets typically have 3 years warranty. Extended warranty services can increase warranty up to 5 years for selected products. For hearing aids, we design our products to minimum 5-year durability, which takes origin in the initial requirements for the minimum storage time for documentation in the Medical Device Directive. GN is therefore required to ensure safe and effective use of its products for at least 5 years, which is documented in our submissions to authorities as part of product approval.

We have two IROs related to resource use and circular economy reflecting the financial risks and environmental impacts of our dependence on a wide range of materials for the manufacturing of our products. For resource inflows, we have one actual negative impact, reflecting our dependence on virgin materials for our products related to our own operations and value chain, respectively. For resource outflows, we have one negative actual impact, reflecting the extent to which our current business model and product design is not fully aligned with circular economy. Attached to this IRO, we also have one financial risk, reflecting the potential financial implications of not transitioning to a more circular business model, as required by legislation or customers. Aside from mitigating the risk and impacts of relying on finite and scarce resources, moving towards a more circular business model provides opportunities to reduce electronic waste and meet increasing demand for circular products and services.