One of the major themes in the high-tech industry today is the promotion of sustainability, and MWC 2023 is showcasing some of this. For example, Lenovo has introduced several new measures to try to reduce the environmental impact of buying a new laptop.

The most interesting of these is the new Flax Fiber Cover, which will be available as an option for the new ThinkPad Z13. Instead of making the outer shell of the laptop out of metal or plastic, Lenovo is using woven flax fibers from the stalks of flax seeds.

These fibers are wrapped in a "bio-based resin" for durability, which Lenovo claims will pass the same durability tests as other products. However, the outer shell is still connected to a metal top cover made of 75% recycled aluminum.

I was able to check out the flax fiber cover for a few minutes and was rather impressed. Despite its unique look and the fact that it is made from repurposed plants, this cover does not feel out of place on the ThinkPad Z13. In fact, it is firm and smooth and does not feel that different from many laptops I have used.

The woven fibers also have a rather distinctive appearance, and while few people will recognize the plant-derived design, it will certainly stand out in a crowd.

Lenovo is also introducing new plastic-free packaging for its laptops, with boxes made from a blend of bamboo and sugarcane. I held one of those boxes in my hands, and had I not known what it was, I would not have thought it was any different from any other kind of packaging.

According to Lenovo, the packaging is 100% biodegradable and can actually be composted at home. Bury it in your garden and it will be gone in 6 to 18 months.

Technology can be particularly harmful to the environment for a variety of reasons, but it is nice to see that some tech companies are starting to take this topic a little more seriously.

Flax fiber shells and compostable packaging are a reasonably good start, although there is no denying the impact of e-waste, raw material sourcing, and all the other ways in which technology consumption can disrupt the planet. Just expect Lenovo and all its rivals to start working on more.