O2 have released details of an eco rating system for mobile phones, part of their Think Big strategy that they hope will put them at the forefront of sustainable business ideas.

The scheme is based on information that O2 have used internally for a while now, and is worked in conjunction with a host of major names from mobile phone manufacturing, including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, HTC, LG, Samsung and Palm, who account for 93% of the range offered by O2. Noticeable by their absence are Apple and BlackBerry.

O2 found in a recent survey of their customers that as well as information on phone specifications, web access, battery performance, etc, 44% of customers were also interested in things like carbon performance, how ethical suppliers are, use of complex chemicals in phone manufacture and so on. By using the Eco Rating system, O2 hope that it will help customers make a more informed choice with their next phone purchase.

Of the current range of handsets offered by O2, the Sony Ericsson Elm came top, with an eco rating of 4.3 out of 5. The Elm is part of the Sony Ericsson Greenheart range of devices, so no surprise to see it at the top of the list. The focus of the Greenheart devices is to show that eco friendly phones do not have to be low spec, budget devices. Hopefully other manufacturers will also be encouraged in their use of recyclable, sustainable materials.