Electronics Production | May 31, 2010
Electronic giants failing to go green
Version 15 of Greenpeace’s Guide to Greener Electronics sees Samsung, Toshiba and Dell, all picking up penalty points for backtracking on their self proposed timelines to eliminate some of the worst toxic substances from their products.
The poor performance of these companies is in contrast to their competitors like Apple and HP who are making real progress by offering their customers a range of greener electronics.
The latest Guide was launched at a press conference in Japan today, as former frontrunners, Toshiba drop from 3rd to 14th position and Samsung from 7th to 13th with their new penalty points for failing to meet their commitment to phase out PVC and BFRs from their supply chain.
“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,” said Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner, Iza Kruszewska. “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 who are phasing out these toxic chemicals.”
On the upside, the Guide also showcases environmental leadership within the electronics industry by an alliance of companies, for going one step beyond elimination of hazardous chemicals to using their considerable influence to advocate for legislation to eliminate the future use of these toxic chemicals.
“It’s encouraging to see several companies grasping the urgent need for legislation that would enable the complete removal of these substances, and are pushing for it,” said Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner Iza Kruszewska.
The climbers in this edition of the Guide are Panasonic at 6th place up from 10th, Sony up from 7th to 6th (tied with Panasonic), HP up from 11th to 8th and Sharp from 13th to 9th. LGE falls from 6th to 12th position, losing points for poor reporting on the energy efficiency of its products. LGE’s reporting of its latest Energy Star standards has been disregarded by Greenpeace as the company was criticised by regulatory authorities for twice manipulating these efficiency standards to its benefit.
“By committing to phase out timelines and acting on them some companies have made progress towards a greener future for electronics. Now all companies need to make this an industry wide reality by keeping their word and delivering PVC and BFR free products to the markets en masse and on time” said Iza Kruszewska.

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...
BB Electronics expands into Eastern Europe via acquisition
Danish EMS provider BB Electronics has acquired Czech company Wendell Electronics.
UK manufacturer doubles work space in head office acquisition
Yorkshire-based Contract Production Ltd has acquired its current head office and production facilities in Pickering, expanding into a third adjoining unit as part of its expansion programme.
Aquantia and Sumitomo Electric to deliver multi-gig Ethernet connectivity to...
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., based in Japan, and Silicon Valley’s Aquantia Corp. have...
Lockheed Martin opens Florida R&D center, adds jobs
Lockheed Martin has completed construction on its USD 50 million, 255,000 square foot...
Related news
Most Read
Load more news