Greenpeace: PC Makers Break Promises to Phase-Out Toxic Chemicals

March 31, 2009

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Greenpeace International’s latest update to its Guide to Greener Electronics found that HP, Lenovo and Dell won’t meet their promise to eliminate vinyl plastic (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from their products by the end of 2009.

Lenovo has delayed its deadline to the end of 2010, while HP and Dell have not set a new timeline for completely eliminating PVC and BFR substances from their products.

Dell produces a desktop, a notebook and several models of monitors that have a reduced use of PVC and BFRs, and a few monitor models that are free of these substances, while Lenovo offers two models that are PVC and BFR-free, according to the study. HP is trailing behind, and has yet to bring out models with even a reduced use of PVC and BFRs, said Greenpeace. The study reveals that Acer currently remains committed to phasing out PVC and BFRs in 2009.

However, the importance of offering green computing options is growing. For example, at the recent Consumer Electronics Show, several electronics giants touted their latest energy-saving products.

Of the world’s five top PC makers, only Apple products are now PVC- and BFR-free, although it doesn’t have certified PVC-free power cords yet. The electronics company that made the biggest turnaround is Philips, which jumped from 15th to 4th place in the ranking of electronics companies who are cleaning up their act.

Companies including Samsung, Philips, Dell, Nokia and HP are also working to improve their reduction of emissions by focusing on information technology (IT) in the fight against climate change, said Greenpeace. In addition, several companies including Nokia are increasing their use of renewable energy.

click to enlarge

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Advertisers

Enhance Sustainability. Improve Profitability.

Learn how at the SAP Sustainability Resource Center. >>

Unclear about the EPA's new GHG Rule?

Learn how it could affect your business. >>

EPA mandatory emissions reporting starts Jan 1st

CSA Standards can help your organization get ready for compliance. Find out how. >>

Best Practices: Product Environmental Compliance

How to achieve compliance at a significantly lower cost. Download the full report. >>

Join the Discussion

Recent Daily News [ see all ]

11/20/2009
11/19/2009
11/18/2009

Charts [ see all ]

European Paper Industry Cuts CO2 Emissions by 42% since 1990

S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks

Nike Tops Annual Climate Action Scores

Oceans May Trap more Carbon than Forests

Jobs

View All Jobs >> Post a Job >>

Comments and Discussions

Trade Association on Trade Group on EPA Chemical Regs: ‘If Everything is a Priority, Then Nothing is a Priority’
"Seriously… that..."

Gary Markowitz on Supermarkets Tackle Emissions Reductions, Fuel Efficiency
"Supermarkets waste over 10 percent of their energy through improper..."

peter in ireland on Ontario May Follow California’s Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
"Governor Schwarzenegger is shooting himself in the foot! 1...."

Environmental Leader on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"The survey respondents (the PDF report mentions 4,000 respondents in 38..."

Jake on UPS Trying New Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks
"A point of clarification: the Reuters press release referenced herein reports that 20 UPS will purchase..."

Custom Organic Shirts on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"90% of North Americans believe it is urgent to get a global climate..."

peter dublin on California City’s Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
"Why energy efficiebnt regulation on buildings –..."

Environmental Leader