Where Are best Framework Laptops Built? Everything You Need to Know in 2025

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Where Are best Framework Laptops Built? Everything You Need to Know in 2025 ramework laptops have gained widespread recognition for their innovative approach to personal computing. Unlike traditional laptops, which often have soldered components and limited repairability, Framework designs its devices with a strong focus on modularity, upgradability, and maintainability.

What Makes Framework Laptops Special?

Framework laptops are built with a modular architecture, meaning users can easily swap out or upgrade various components, including:

Memory (RAM) – Users can upgrade RAM without soldered-in restrictions.

Storage (SSD) – Standardized M.2 SSD slots allow for easy expansion.

Battery – Unlike most ultrabooks, Framework’s battery is replaceable.

Keyboard and Display – Swappable input and screen components for improved longevity.

Ports (Expansion Cards) – Unique customizable expansion card system lets users choose from USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, microSD, and more.

This design philosophy ensures that users are not locked into older hardware and can extend the life of their device by upgrading individual components rather than replacing the entire laptop.

2. Shift Toward Sustainable Computing
Framework’s design philosophy isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reducing electronic waste (e-waste). By allowing users to upgrade rather than discard, the company is tackling one of the tech industry’s biggest environmental issues. This focus on sustainability has helped Framework gain a loyal following among environmentally conscious consumers, tech enthusiasts, and professionals who prioritize longevity in their devices.

Sustainability: Reducing E-Waste and Environmental Impact (Where Are best Framework Laptops Built)

Repairability: A supporter of the right to repair
Framework is one of the few laptop manufacturers that fully embraces the right to repair movement, giving users the tools and resources to fix their own device rather than relying on expensive service centers.

What makes Framework laptops highly repairable?

No proprietary screws or components: Unlike many major brands that use proprietary screws, Framework laptops are held together with standard Torx screws, making the device easy to open with a basic toolkit.

Replaceable and labeled components: Inside the laptop, each part is clearly labeled with a QR code that links directly to a repair guide or a place to purchase a replacement.

Screwdriver included: Every Framework laptop comes with a magnetic screwdriver, encouraging users to explore and repair their device.
Support of independent repair shops: Framework partners with repair businesses and supports community-based repair programs.

Due to these efforts, Framework received a 10/10 repairability score from iFixit, one of the highest in the industry.

1.User-upgradable design: Making your laptop future-ready

Most modern laptops are not upgradable, with soldered RAM, storage, and battery, forcing the user to replace the entire machine when performance becomes outdated. Framework takes the opposite approach by allowing full upgradeability.

Key upgradable components include:

RAM and storage: Uses standard DDR4/DDR5 RAM slots and M.2 SSD for easy upgrades.

Motherboard and CPU: Framework is one of the only consumer laptops that allows users to replace the entire motherboard to upgrade their processor. This significantly increases the lifespan of the device.

Expansion Cards: Instead of fixed ports, Framework laptops use a unique expansion card system where users can change out USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, microSD, and more as needed.
Battery Replacement: Unlike traditional ultrabooks where the battery is glued on, Framework’s battery can be easily replaced to extend the laptop’s usability for years.

Discussion of Supply Chain and Key Component Suppliers for Framework Laptops (Where Are best Framework Laptops Built)

Framework laptops rely on a carefully designed global supply chain, sourcing high-quality components from different regions to ensure durability, performance, and sustainability. Unlike some traditional laptop manufacturers that focus on cost-cutting through mass production and proprietary components, Framework prioritizes modularity, repairability, and ethical sourcing.

Framework follows a decentralized yet efficient supply chain model, ensuring that each component is sourced from specialized manufacturers that provide the highest quality while meeting ethical and environmental standards. Some key aspects of Framework’s supply chain strategy include:
Sourcing from multiple countries to reduce dependency on a single region.
Working with suppliers who follow sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices.
Ensuring long-term availability of parts to support repairability and upgrades.
Partnering with established suppliers to maintain quality and performance.

This approach makes Framework different from other laptop manufacturers, who often use proprietary components that are difficult to replace or repair.

How Framework Ensures Top-Quality Laptop Production (Where Are best Framework Laptops Built)

Framework is committed to producing high-quality laptops that prioritize modularity, repairability, and sustainability without compromising on performance and durability. Unlike many mass-market manufacturers that focus on cost-cutting and disposable designs, Framework follows a highly controlled production process to maintain premium build quality.

1. Rigorous Manufacturing and Assembly Standards (Where Are best Framework Laptops Built)

Framework laptops are assembled in China, leveraging the country’s advanced electronics manufacturing ecosystem. However, unlike many companies that use generic, mass-produced components, Framework ensures strict quality standards by:

Partnering with specialized manufacturers that adhere to international quality certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001).
Using a modular assembly process, making each part easy to replace and reducing failure rates.
Avoiding cheap proprietary parts and focusing on standardized, high-quality components.
Testing each module individually before integration to ensure smooth compatibility.

Sustainability Practices in the Framework Laptop Supply Chain (Where Are best Framework Laptops Built)

Framework is one of the few laptop manufacturers that integrates sustainability into every step of its supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, packaging, and long-term product support. Unlike traditional laptop brands that focus on cost-cutting and mass production, Framework is committed to reducing e-waste, using recycled materials, and ensuring ethical sourcing.

1. Sustainable Sourcing of Materials (Where Are best Framework Laptops Built)

Framework carefully selects suppliers that prioritize responsible material sourcing while reducing environmental impact. Some of the key sustainable material choices include:

A. Recycled Aluminum and Plastics

The chassis of Framework laptops is made from 50% recycled aluminum, reducing the need for mining new raw materials.
Internal plastic components are sourced from 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, minimizing plastic waste.
The company avoids unnecessary plastic coatings or laminations that make recycling difficult.

B. Conflict-Free and Ethically Sourced Metals

Framework ensures that metals like cobalt, tin, tungsten, and gold used in its electronics are sourced from conflict-free suppliers that follow responsible mining practices.
The company works with suppliers who comply with the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) to prevent exploitation and environmental damage in mining regions.

C. Sustainable Battery Materials

The laptop’s battery is designed for long life and replaceability, reducing the need for frequent disposal.
Framework ensures that lithium-ion cells are sourced from suppliers following strict environmental standards to minimize pollution.

How Framework Laptops Are Shipped Globally (Where Are best Framework Laptops Built)

Framework has built a global shipping and distribution system that ensures customers across different regions receive their laptops efficiently, sustainably, and at reasonable costs. Unlike major laptop manufacturers that rely on large-scale retail partnerships, Framework follows a direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, which allows it to minimize costs, optimize logistics, and maintain a more personalized customer experience.

1. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Shipping Model

Unlike major brands like Dell, HP, or Lenovo that ship laptops through third-party retailers and distributors, Framework primarily sells its laptops directly through its website.

Why Framework Uses the DTC Model:

Reduces unnecessary middlemen, which keeps prices fair and competitive.
Ensures better control over logistics, reducing delays and inventory issues.
Allows for direct customer engagement, making it easier to provide updates, support, and future part replacements.
Minimizes excess stock issues, preventing waste and overproduction.

This model allows Framework to efficiently ship products directly from its manufacturing and fulfillment centers to customers worldwide.

Potential Improvements in Design or Material Sourcing for Framework Laptops

Framework has already set high standards in modularity, repairability, and sustainability, but there are always areas for improvement. As technology advances and sustainability initiatives evolve, Framework has opportunities to refine its design and enhance material sourcing to make its laptops even more durable, efficient, and eco-friendly.

This section explores potential improvements in both design and material sourcing that could help Framework maintain its leadership in sustainable computing.

1. Potential Design Improvements

More Durable Chassis and Materials

Current Situation: Framework laptops use 50% recycled aluminum for the chassis, making them lightweight and sustainable. However, aluminum can dent more easily compared to other premium materials.
Potential Improvement: Switching to or reinforcing the magnesium-aluminum alloy (used in premium ultrabooks) could improve durability without increasing weight.
Alternative: Exploring carbon fiber or reinforced bioplastic composites could maintain strength while being even lighter and more eco-friendly.

Framework’s Approach to Reducing E-Waste and Carbon Footprint

Framework has revolutionized the laptop industry’s approach to sustainability by prioritizing repairability, modularity, and eco-friendly practices. Unlike traditional laptop manufacturers that encourage frequent upgrades and replacements, Framework’s business model is designed to extend the lifespan of laptops, significantly reducing electronic waste (e-waste) and carbon emissions.

This section explores how Framework minimizes its environmental impact, focusing on e-waste reduction, carbon footprint management, and sustainable production practices.

Reducing E-Waste Through Modular and Repairable Design

One of the biggest contributors to e-waste is the short lifespan of consumer electronics. Many laptops become obsolete within 3–5 years because of non-upgradable components or expensive repairs. Framework solves this by allowing users to upgrade, repair, and replace individual parts, reducing the need to discard an entire laptop.

Fully Modular and Replaceable Parts

All major laptop components (RAM, storage, battery, display, keyboard, trackpad, ports, and even the motherboard) are user-replaceable.
Customers can easily swap out older CPUs by replacing the motherboard, eliminating the need to buy a whole new laptop when upgrading.
Ports are modular via an expansion card system, reducing e-waste from obsolete or broken connectors (e.g., USB-C, HDMI, SD card slots).

Official Repair Guides and Open-Source Hardware

Framework provides detailed repair manuals and official step-by-step guides to help users replace and upgrade parts.
By making hardware designs open-source, third-party developers can create and sell compatible parts, ensuring long-term availability of replacement components.
The use of standard screws (instead of proprietary fasteners) makes disassembly simple, unlike many major brands that glue or solder components.

Extended Product Lifecycle with Official Support for Older Models

Instead of discontinuing older models quickly, Framework continues to support and provide replacement parts for previous generations.
Customers can buy refurbished or upgraded motherboards to keep their laptops up to date instead of purchasing entirely new machines.

Impact: This modularity prevents tons of electronics from ending up in landfills each year, making Framework one of the most sustainable laptop brands in the world.

Why Framework’s Approach to Production Sets Them Apart in 2025

Framework’s unique approach to laptop production makes it a standout in the tech industry, particularly in 2025. While major laptop manufacturers focus on mass production, proprietary designs, and planned obsolescence, Framework takes a modular, repairable, and sustainability-first approach. This model not only benefits consumers but also reduces e-waste, carbon emissions, and reliance on unethical supply chains.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes Framework’s production strategy different and revolutionary in 2025.