Published on the 14/06/2010 | Written by Newsdesk
Greenpeace’s latest Guide to Greener Electronics shows some electronic companies making headway while others are falling behind…
Who will win the green electronics race? Not Samsung, Toshiba or Dell, says Greenpeace.
The environmental lobbyist’s latest report on electronics companies shows they’re not meeting self-imposed deadlines for eliminating dioxin-producing toxins from their products.
In contrast, rivals Apple and Hewlett Packard are phasing out use of the toxic chemicals polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).
Greenpeace spokeswoman Suzette Jackson says this shows electronics can be made more environmentally friendly, and it can be done at a competitive cost.
“These industry giants cannot claim to be green until they follow through on their commitments to eliminate substances from their products that are harmful to the environment and public health,” Jackson says.
The environmental organisation ranks the top 18 manufacturers of personal computers, mobile phones, TVs and games consoles according to their policies on toxic chemicals, recycling and climate change. The growing amount of electronic waste being shipped to developing countries is also a concern.
Former green front-runner Toshiba dropped from 3rd to 14th position, while Samsung dropped from 7th to 13th place.
However, mobile-phone maker Sony Ericsson got the green tick from Greenpeace for actively lobbying for PVC and BFRs to be banned.
LGE fell from 6th to 12th place. Greenpeace disregarded its product energy efficiency reporting following criticism by regulatory authorities that it had twice manipulated its Energy Star standards.
In contrast, Panasonic climbed from 10th to 6th place, tying with Sony, which is up one position. HP moved from 11th to 8th place and Sharp from 13th to 9th position.
“Companies that are still using PVC and BFRs in their products need to follow the lead of Apple, HP and Indian brands HCL and Wipro, which are phasing out these toxic chemicals,” says Jackson.
It’s good to see industry leadership from some electronic companies in advocating for legislation to eliminate the future use of the chemicals, she adds.
