Fujitsu Siemens Computers jumps to third place with 5.5 points, having finally set late 2010 as its deadline for eliminating toxic PVC plastic and all BFRs from across its product range. Although Sony Ericsson and Sony - who enjoyed the top two positions in the previous edition - rank fourth and fifth respectively this time around, they remain in the top half of the ranking with scores of 5.3 each.
“Most of the brands are responding to the more stringent chemical and e-waste criteria in the Greenpeace Guide and the recently added energy criteria. Top scorers on energy efficiency of individual products are Apple, Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Samsung. Toshiba is an example of one company that has improved its climate policy,” said Iza Kruszewska, toxics campaigner, Greenpeace International.
Greenpeace wants manufacturers to eliminate harmful chemicals in their product design. While no company has, so far, released a computer completely free of BFRs and PVC, several have recently launched products with restricted amounts of toxic BFRs and PVC, added Greenpeace. Sony Ericsson stands out, having banned hazardous chemicals such as antimony, beryllium and phthalates since the beginning of the year. All of its new models are PVC-free. Following the lead set by companies like Sony Ericsson, and Nokia, Apple has also announced that its new line of iPods will be free of BFRs, PVC and mercury, stated Greenpeace.
“We see this as a very positive step by Apple towards its commitment to eliminate these toxic elements from all of its products by end of 2008. But, we are disappointed with the new iPod's built-in obsolescence – high battery replacement costs encourage a new product purchase,” Kruszewska stressed.
Philips stands out as the company with the worst position on e-waste and recycling. It ranks 12th with 4.3 points, retaining its penalty point for negative lobbying on Individual Producer Responsibility in the European Union.
Intel recently announced that its new Xeon 5400 processors use transistors made from Hafnium so avoiding the use of fire retardants such as BFRs. |
