ASUS

Introduction

ASUS is a prominent Taiwanese multinational computer and electronics company, founded in 1989 by four visionaries: T.H. Tung, Ted Hsu, Wayne Hsieh, and M.T. Liu. The founders, all engineers, aimed to create innovative technology solutions that would address the evolving needs of consumers and businesses. With a commitment to high-quality products and a forward-thinking approach, ASUS rapidly gained recognition in the computer hardware and electronics industry, becoming a respected name known for its pioneering spirit.

The philosophy of ASUS centers around the concept of "In Search of Incredible," which reflects its dedication to delivering exceptional quality and performance in every product category. This guiding principle inspires the brand to continuously push the envelope in design, technology, and user experience. ASUS embraces a culture of creativity and innovation, encouraging its teams to take risks and challenge the status quo. As a result, the brand has cultivated a loyal global following of tech enthusiasts and professionals who appreciate its commitment to excellence.

What makes ASUS truly special is its diverse range of products that cater to various segments, including gaming, business, and consumer electronics. Its focus on research and development has led to breakthroughs in computing technology, making it a leader in the motherboard and graphics card markets. ASUS also emphasizes sustainability and responsibility in its manufacturing processes, fueling its reputation as a brand that not only prioritizes performance but also cares for the environment. This holistic approach to technology has solidified ASUS's presence in both the consumer and professional markets.

Signature Products

ASUS products embody its innovative spirit and commitment to quality, playing a crucial role in defining the brand's identity.

• ROG Gaming Laptops : Designed for gamers, these laptops boast powerful hardware and advanced cooling systems for an immersive gaming experience.
• ZenBook Series : Sleek and lightweight, these ultra-portable laptops merge elegance with performance, ideal for professionals on the go.
• TUF Gaming Monitors : Built for durability and performance, these monitors offer high refresh rates and adaptive sync technology for competitive gaming.
• ASUS ROG Motherboards : Recognized for their reliability and performance, these motherboards are engineered to support high-end gaming and overclocking.
• VivoBook Series : Aimed at everyday users, these laptops provide a balance of style, performance, and affordability for casual computing needs.

Materials and Ingredients Used by ASUS

• Aluminum : Aluminum is a lightweight, durable metal often used in electronics for its excellent thermal conductivity. ASUS utilizes aluminum in the chassis of laptops and tablets to enhance portability while ensuring effective heat dissipation during operation.
• Mica : Mica is a natural mineral known for its insulating properties and aesthetic appeal. ASUS incorporates mica in certain electronic components and decorative elements, providing both thermal resistance and a visually appealing finish.
• Resin : Resin is a synthetic material that can be molded into various shapes and is often used in coatings and adhesives. ASUS employs resin in the construction of certain components to improve durability and resistance to wear and tear.
• Ceramic : Ceramic materials are well-regarded for their hardness and heat resistance. ASUS uses ceramics in specific applications, including thermal management solutions, to protect sensitive components from overheating.
• Metal : Metal refers to a variety of conductive materials essential in electronics. ASUS utilizes metals like copper and steel in circuit boards and casings for their electrical conductivity and structural integrity, ensuring optimal performance and durability.
• Plastic : Plastic is a versatile and lightweight synthetic material commonly used in consumer electronics. ASUS adopts high-quality plastics in non-structural components, allowing for flexible designs while maintaining affordability and functionality.
• Cobalt : Cobalt is a key ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, known for its energy density and longevity. ASUS includes cobalt in its battery compositions to enhance performance and battery life in portable devices.
• Gold : Gold is a highly conductive metal often used in electronic contacts and connectors. ASUS integrates gold plating in critical components to ensure reliable electrical connectivity and to reduce oxidation, thereby enhancing performance and longevity.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From ASUS

Grouped by Issue:

There are various sustainability, environmental, and social issues related to the supply chain of ASUS that need to be taken into consideration.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

The production of aluminum is notorious for its high greenhouse gas emissions. The electrolysis process used in refining aluminum releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide, which is a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. This not only impacts global warming but also affects air quality and public health.

High Energy Consumption:

Both aluminum and ceramic production are energy-intensive processes. Aluminum refining consumes vast amounts of electricity, often sourced from fossil fuels, leading to substantial carbon footprints. Similarly, firing ceramics in kilns requires high temperatures maintained over long periods, consuming considerable energy. This poses a severe environmental impact, including resource depletion.

Resource Depletion:

Materials like aluminum and ceramic rely on finite natural resources. Mining for bauxite ore, which is refined into aluminum, depletes natural sources and impacts local ecosystems. Similarly, the raw materials used for ceramics, such as clay and feldspar, are non-renewable, and excessive extraction can lead to resource scarcity.

Child Labor:

In the mining of materials like mica and cobalt, child labor is a persistent issue, particularly in countries such as India and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Children working in mines face hazardous conditions, exposure to toxic substances, and lose out on education, perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Unsafe Working Conditions:

Workers in mines extracting materials such as mica and cobalt frequently operate under unsafe conditions. They are exposed to physical dangers, like cave-ins and poorly maintained equipment, leading to a high incidence of injuries and fatalities. Moreover, exposure to toxic substances can result in long-term health issues.

Environmental Degradation:

Mining activities for materials like mica and cobalt degrade the environment, causing deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution of nearby water bodies with toxic runoff. In extreme cases, local ecosystems can be permanently damaged, affecting the livelihoods of local communities dependent on them.

Pollution during Production:

The production of resin involves the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous pollutants into the air and water. This pollution can lead to severe health problems for factory workers and nearby communities, including respiratory issues and waterborne diseases.

Non-biodegradable Waste:

Materials like resin and plastic are notorious for their non-biodegradability. Once disposed of, these materials persist in the environment for centuries, contributing to the growing issue of landfill overflow and ocean pollution. Marine animals often ingest plastic waste, which can lead to injuries or deaths.

Health Hazards for Workers:

The production and processing of resin expose workers to hazardous chemicals, which can cause skin irritations, respiratory problems, and other health issues. Long-term exposure can lead to more severe conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders.

Water Pollution:

Metals such as copper, silver, and gold are often extracted using processes that pollute local water bodies with heavy metals and other toxic chemicals. This contamination not only affects aquatic life but also poses health risks to human communities that rely on these water sources for drinking and agriculture.

Soil Contamination:

Mining and refining metals such as copper and silver lead to soil contamination, rendering the land infertile and unable to support plant life. This impacts local agriculture and can lead to food insecurity among nearby communities.

Heavy Metal Poisoning:

Mining and refining activities for metals like copper and silver can result in the release of toxic heavy metals into the environment. These metals accumulate in the food chain, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife, including neurological damage and organ failure.

Mercury Pollution:

The extraction of gold often involves the use of mercury, which contaminates water bodies and the food chain. Mercury poisoning can cause severe health issues, including neurological damage and developmental problems in children.

Exploitation of Miners:

Workers in gold mines frequently face poor working conditions, low wages, and exploitation. These miners are often part of vulnerable communities and lack bargaining power, making it difficult for them to improve their working conditions or wages.

Soil Erosion:

Mining activities for materials such as copper and iron often lead to severe soil erosion. This not only degrades the landscape but can also lead to increased sedimentation in rivers and waterways, impacting water quality and local aquatic life.

Water Resource Depletion:

Mining for lithium, especially from underground aquifers, leads to significant depletion of local water resources. This is particularly concerning in arid regions, where water is already scarce, impacting local agriculture and drinking water supplies.

Habitat Destruction:

Extracting materials like lithium and nickel often results in the destruction of natural habitats, displacing wildlife and leading to biodiversity loss. This ecological imbalance can result in long-term damage to ecosystems that are often slow to recover.

Acid Mine Drainage:

The extraction process for metals like nickel can result in acid mine drainage, where sulphide minerals exposed during mining react with air and water to produce sulfuric acid. This acidic runoff contaminates local waterways, killing aquatic life and making the water unsafe for human use.

Chemical Exposure:

The production of silicone involves the use of hazardous chemicals, posing health risks to workers involved in its manufacture. These chemicals include solvents and silanes, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritations, and other health issues.

Non-renewable Resource:

Silicone is made from silica, which is a non-renewable resource. The extraction and processing of silica contribute to resource depletion and the environmental impact associated with mining activities, including habitat destruction.

Conflict Minerals:

Materials such as tantalum are often sourced from regions involved in armed conflicts. The mining and trade of these "conflict minerals" finance violent militias and contribute to ongoing violence and human rights abuses in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Worker Exploitation:

In regions where conflict minerals like tantalum are mined, workers often face inhumane conditions, including extremely low wages, forced labor, and physical abuse. These conditions violate fundamental human rights and undermine efforts to achieve equitable and ethical labor standards.

In conclusion, addressing these complex issues within the ASUS supply chain requires a comprehensive approach that combines ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and social equity. Building a sustainable and ethical supply chain is crucial not only for mitigating environmental and social risks but also for ensuring long-term business sustainability.