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Toxic Chemicals
In this test, high levels of toxic chemicals in electronics products means more than a failing grade for the company, it represents serious health and environmental hazards to children in the developing world who take these products apart for scraps. Toxic ingredients like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) don’t improve the quality of electronic performance, but exposure to them can cause a series of health threats throughout the life cycle of the product.
Recycling and Take Back Programs
The growing popularity of electronic technology and changing trends have resulted in massive quantities of discarded products that often end up in scrap yards in the developing world. We graded the leading technology companies on their policies for taking back and reusing or recycling their own-brand discarded products.
So who was at the head of the class and who failed?
While none of these companies passed our test with flying colors, Nokia and Dell lead the pack with positive steps toward eliminating toxics and implementing take back programs. Apple isn’t charming any teachers these days. With a bushel of toxic chemicals and a poor recycling program, the company received a failing grade. Acer, Motorola, and Lenovo flunked the test entirely.
A Formula for Success
Every quarter, we’ll release a new report card to keep these companies on their toes. To graduate from our school of environmentally-friendly electronics, the requirements are simple really:
Do your homework
Download the full report card to see how your favorite gadgets scored.
In this test, high levels of toxic chemicals in electronics products means more than a failing grade for the company, it represents serious health and environmental hazards to children in the developing world who take these products apart for scraps. Toxic ingredients like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) don’t improve the quality of electronic performance, but exposure to them can cause a series of health threats throughout the life cycle of the product.
Recycling and Take Back Programs
The growing popularity of electronic technology and changing trends have resulted in massive quantities of discarded products that often end up in scrap yards in the developing world. We graded the leading technology companies on their policies for taking back and reusing or recycling their own-brand discarded products.
So who was at the head of the class and who failed?
While none of these companies passed our test with flying colors, Nokia and Dell lead the pack with positive steps toward eliminating toxics and implementing take back programs. Apple isn’t charming any teachers these days. With a bushel of toxic chemicals and a poor recycling program, the company received a failing grade. Acer, Motorola, and Lenovo flunked the test entirely.
- Nokia
- Dell
- HP
- Sony Ericsson
- Samsung
- Sony
- LG Electronics
- Panasonic
- Toshiba
- Fujitsu Siemens Computers
- Apple
- Acer
- Motorola
- Lenovo
A Formula for Success
Every quarter, we’ll release a new report card to keep these companies on their toes. To graduate from our school of environmentally-friendly electronics, the requirements are simple really:
- Set a clear timeline to remove all toxic chemicals from electronic production and products.
- Develop a clear take back policy and recycling program.
Do your homework
Download the full report card to see how your favorite gadgets scored.
