In recent years, international environmental norms and standards have become more stringent. Among them, the EU regulations WEEE regarding recycling waste electrical motor; RoHS and REACH that aim to control hazardous substances; EuP and ErP that reduce products’ energy consumption impact on environment; as well as the Energy Star plan launched jointly by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy are particularly under the spotlight.
To reduce the amount of electrical wastes and avoid pollution of the environment, and achieve the goal of some components and materials are recyclable, the EU initiated WEEE Directive in 2005, requiring manufacturers and suppliers to take the responsibility of recycling and reusing 10 waste electrical and electronic products. The 2012 version of WEEE Directive had further strengthened the handling of electrical and electronic equipment.
Based on the concept of environmental protection, RoHS directive limits the use of six kinds of environmentally hazardous substances: lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polybrominated biphenyls in the manufacturing process of electrical and electronic equipment.
To comply with these regulations, many international companies in the global ICT industry such as Sony, HP, Philip, Dell, Apple, and Samsung have actively developed green technology; improved manufacturing process; promoted green purchasing and recycling processes; adopted 100% recyclable packaging material; and obtained relevant certification, to ensure the products meet international green marks and norms.
Under the green wave, the implementation of each new environmental protection regulations can become a new opportunity for businesses. Developing green components and designing energy-saving products will not only help traders venture into the global green industry supply chain, but also create a new wave of blue ocean opportunities.
- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com
