Sony and LG Electronics receive
penalty points for operating double standards on their e-waste
take-back policies across the world, losing their places in the top
five. The latest edition of the Greenpeace Guide, which ranks
companies on their policies regarding chemicals and waste, shows
Chinese PC maker Lenovo in the top position, taking Nokia from the
lead it had maintained since the Guide was launched. Apple, having
made no progress since the launch of the Guide in August 2006,
continues to languish in last place, far behind all other major
manufacturers. Other companies in the top five include Nokia (2nd
), Sony Ericsson (3rd ) Dell (4th ) and Samsung (5th).
“Given the growing mountains of
e-waste in China – both imported and domestically generated – it is
heartening to see a Chinese company taking the lead, and assuming
responsibility at least for its own branded waste,” said Iza
Kruszewska, Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner, “The
challenge for the industry now is to see who will actually place
greener products on the market.”
Lenovo, which bought IBM’s consumer
electronics division in 2005, scores top marks on its e-waste
policies and practice; the company offers take-back and recycling
in all the countries where its products are sold. Lenovo also
reports the amount of e-waste it recycles as a percentage of its
sales. However, the company has yet to put on the market products
that are free of the worst chemicals.
Sony Ericsson has moved back up the
guide (they were 5th in December 2006) as the first company to set
a timeline of 1st January 2008 for eliminating substances in
addition to those banned by the European RoHS (Restriction of
Hazardous Substances in electronic products) Directive.
Sony and LG Electronics have been
penalized for practicing double standards on their regional and
national policies for recycling their own-branded products.
“With this edition of the Guide,
we’re seeing some companies move beyond good statements of
principle and towards real action, with the roll-out of voluntary
take back programs and detailed information being provided to
customers. But companies have to stay on the ball and progress in
step with the market. Existing commitments from companies begin to
look less impressive on this dynamic score card as their
competitors raise the bar,” concluded Kruszewska.
VVPR info: [email protected]
Notes: A copy of the rating guide can be found at: https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/chinese-company-tops-greenpeac
Exp. contact date: 2007-05-03 00:00:00
