Press release - June 14, 2007
BANGALORE, India — Greenpeace today welcomed the launch of RoHS-compliant desktops and laptops by Wipro Infotech. By doing this, Wipro, as a responsible corporate leader, has taken the first step forward in addressing the issue of e-waste, even in the absence of legislation to this effect in India.
Greenpeace lauds WIPRO's Greenware initiative.
Speaking on the occasion at a press briefing organised by Wipro,
Greenpeace Toxics Campaigner Ramapati Kumar said "Greenpeace
welcomes Wipro's leadership stance in tackling e-waste before it
becomes an environmental and health emergency. We hope the company
will now lead the way in the phase-out of hazardous chemicals like
BFRs and PVC. Wipro has already demonstrated that it's possible to
make clean products while remaining profitable, and it is now time
for HCL and other players in the industry to follow the example and
clean up their own product lines while implementing a proper
take-back policy for their end-of-life products."
This development follows a year of intensive campaigning and
direct action by Greenpeace activists and supporters. Living up to
its promises made last year, the company has now started producing
clean products, and has also set up Wipro Green Computing, an
e-waste management process that spans across its product
lifecycle.
"This is just the tip of the e-waste iceberg. Unless addressed
now, a massive pile-up of e-waste poses a clear and present danger
to health and environment in India. The Government of India, too
long a mute spectator to this crisis, should emulate China and take
immediate steps to come out with a RoHS legislation that levels the
playing field for all manufacturers," added Ramapati Kumar.
Greenpeace wants the electronics industry to design products
that are free from hazardous substances, easy to recycle, and do
not expose workers to health risks during production or recycling.
They must implement individual producer responsibility (IPR) for
full take-back of their products at their end of life, and go
beyond the EU RoHS directive in eliminating all hazardous
chemicals.
Greenpeace has been at the forefront of the campaign for clean
production and safe recycling, and frequently uses non-violent,
creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and
to force solutions essential to a green and peaceful future.
For further information, contact
Ramapati Kumar, Toxics Campaigner, Greenpeace @ M-09845535414,
Saumya Tripathy, Greenpeace India Communications @ M- 09880821149
Notes to Editor
(1) RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is a European directive which prohibits the use of six deadly chemicals such as lead, cadmium, chromium and two BFRs (Brominated Flame Retardants) in electrical and electronic equipment.
(2) On toxics substances in computers:
www.greenpeace.org/india/press/reports/hcl-report
http://www.greenpeace.org/india/press/reports/toxic-chemicals-in-computers-e