Greenpeace blasts PC makers over failed promises

 

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Posted on 2 Jul 2009 at 10:32

Greenpeace has attacked major PC makers for backtracking on promises to reduce the hazardous materials used in their products.

The criticism appeared in Greenpeace's Guide to Greener Electronics, which ranks IT companies based on their recycling efforts, as well as the power consumption and materials used in their products.

Among those singled out for criticism by Greenpeace were HP, Dell and Lenovo. The environment organisation claimed the companies had failed to significantly reduce the amounts of toxic chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from their products.

Greenpeace also slammed HP for delaying a commitment to phase out harmful materials from its products from 2009 to 2011. Lenovo is now targeting 2010 for its green plans, while Dell was criticised for completely dropping its plans to eliminate PVC plastic and BFRs from its products by the end of 2009.

"There are no excuses for backtracking, and no reason for these companies not to have PCs free of PVC and BFRs," wrote Greenpeace, claiming these substances are not only damaging to the environment, but also human health.

Dell defended itself by claiming that there were "no viable alternatives for many of the components used in our products that include these chemicals." However, a spokesperson said the company was still searching and that it had "adjusted our timetable for eliminating them accordingly."

However, it's not all bad news with Greenpeace also singling out Acer, Toshiba and Apple for praise. The report lauds these companies for new product lines that are "virtually free" of PVC plastic and BFRs. The organisation claims to still be worries about Apple's failure to provide a timeline for removing arsenic from display glass.

Author: Stuart Turton