Electronics Production | July 03, 2009
Greenpeace: HP, Lenovo and Dell fail to deliver
"We're giving HP, Lenovo and Dell--the world's biggest PC makers--a penalty point in our Guide to Greener Electronics, for backtracking on their commitments to eliminate PVC plastic and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from their products by the end of 2009", states Greenpeace.
There are no excuses for backtracking, and no reason for these companies not to have PCs free of PVC and BFRs. PVC contaminates humans and the environment throughout its lifecycle; during its production, use, and disposal it is the single most environmentally damaging of all plastics, and can form dioxin, a known carcinogen, when burned. BFRs are highly resistant to degradation in the environment and are able to bio-accumulate (build up in animals and humans) and can be released from products during use, leading to their presence in household dust and resulting in increased human exposure.
In 14th place HP continues to lag behind other PC brands in the ranking, having postponed its 2007 commitment to phase out PVC and BFRs from its computer products (excluding its server and printer lines) from 2009 to 2011. Unlike Dell and Lenovo, however, HP is not even putting PVC- and BFR-reduced products on the market, Greenpeace announced.
Nokia remains top with 7.4 out of 10, and Samsung (2nd) and Sony Ericsson (3rd) catching up with 7.1 and 6.5 points respectively. LGE, Toshiba and Motorola move up the ranking to take 4th, 5th and 6th place. Sony drops down from 5th to 12th position, as it has not kept pace with progress made by other companies, especially on e-waste recycling performance. At the bottom Lenovo also drops down due to further weakening of its commitment on toxic chemicals phase-out.
Apple makes BFR-free and (almost) PVC-free computers
Apple's new computer lines, virtually free of PVC and completely BFR-free, demonstrate the technical feasibility and supply-chain readiness of producing alternatives to these hazardous substances. Dell, Lenovo and Acer have also stayed ahead of HP, putting models on the market that are free, or at least significantly reduced in their use, of PVC and BFRs. Dell recently engaged in a public spat with Apple over Apple's claims to have the greenest family of notebooks.
"It's ridiculous that some companies, such as Dell, are busy challenging Apple's advertising claims when Apple is clearly leading its competitors on toxics phase out. All PC companies should be concentrating on matching or beating Apple’s lead on this important issue", the environmental group said in a statement.

KLA completes acquisition of Orbotech
KLA-Tencor Corporation says that the company has completed its acquisition of...
NCAB Group acquires Danish Multiprint
Swedish PCB supplier NCAB Group, has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of...
NAND flash giants suffer revenue loss of 16.8% in 4Q18
The rising economic uncertainties caused some server manufacturers to delay restocking or cancel orders, and compelled those upstream in the supply chain to make adjustments to their production lines, damaging their ability...
Neways passed €500 million in turnover in 2018
The Dutch EMS provider has presented record figures for the full fiscal year of 2018. Not only...
myFC & Krusell to develop a smartphone case with fuel cells
myFC has decided to develop a smart smartphone case with fuel cells. The case will be the...
1,750 more jobs for Intel’s newest Oregon plant
With Intel’s latest phase of its Ronler Acres campus in Hillsboro confirmed by Intel recently, the...
HK Wentworth acquires UK distributor of HAKKO equipment
HK Wentworth Group announces that it is acquiring Dancap Electronics, a UK...
SK Innovation partners with US company to develop lithium metal...
PolyPlus Battery Company, a privately-held company focused on the development of...
Contract prices of DRAM products projected to prop by 15% QoQ in 2Q19
The ongoing oversupply will result in significant price declines for DRAM products during 1H19...
ST Engineering & DSO form JV for new space technologies
The electronics arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering)...
Dorigo Breaks Ground on new manufacturing facility
Canadian EMS provider, Dorigo Systems has officially broken ground on its new...
Nortech Systems names Jay D. Miller president and CEO
Nortech Systems has named Jay D. Miller as president and chief executive officer, effective...
Honda to close shop in Swindon - 3'500 jobs at risk
Honda has announced that it will restructure its global manufacturing network. This...
GN Audio picks up Altia Systems, expands UC solutions
In a move designed to integrate GN Audio’s intelligent audio systems with digital video...
Wood cellulose as eco-friendly electronics manufacturing option
Simon Fraser University Professor Woo Soo Kim, along with a research team from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, have reached a breakthrough in the development of an eco-friendly, 3D...
VDMA: Robotics and Automation expects further growth in 2019
In 2018, the German robotics and automation sector reached the 15 billion euro mark for...
Rimac is planning a new factory - appoints new COO
Rimac Automobili has been expanding fast, doubling in size for several years. The company...
Passives drive the German component distribution market
German component distribution market (according to FBDi e.V.) experienced solid growth in 2018. The order situation is slightly weakening. Slow return to normality for passive components.
Electric motor company partners with automotive manufacturer
Electric motor company, YASA, says it has signed a long-term joint innovation agreement with...
Electric truck startup announces $700M investment round
Rivian has announced an equity investment round of USD 700 million led by Amazon. The...
Kitron completes its acquisition of API's EMS business
EMS provider Kitron announces has completed the acquisition of the EMS division of API...
Shell to acquire german battery manufacturer sonnen
Shell Overseas Investment B.V. has agreed to acquire 100% of sonnen, a manufacturer of...
Engaged & happy employees - clear drivers of growth & health for Season Group
EMS provider Season Group, is flagging a major change in its organisation, both operational and somewhat philosophical. Randy Ziegenhagel, previously VP Business Development, is moving to the new position of Global Culture Officer and...
Related news
Most Read
Load more news
- Engaged & happy employees - clear drivers of growth & health for Season Group
- Lockheed Martin opens Florida R&D center, adds jobs
- Shell to acquire german battery manufacturer sonnen
- Electric motor company partners with automotive manufacturer
- BB Electronics expands into Eastern Europe via acquisition