Chinese PC maker gets Greenpeace thumbs-up

Chinese computer maker Lenovo got the green thumbs-up from environmental activist group Greenpeace for its environmentally friendly policies on handling chemicals and waste. In the latest update of its Guide to Greener Electronics, Greenpeace (www.greenpeace.org) said Lenovo edged out cell phone maker Nokia from the top spot. “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. Kruszewska added the challenge for the industry now “is to see who will actually place greener products on the market." On the other hand, Greenpeace gave Japanese consumer-products giant Sony and Singapore-based LG Electronics penalty points for double standards on their e-waste takeback policies. The group also scored US-based computer maker Apple for having made no progress since the launch of the Guide in August 2006, adding it continues to languish in last place. Greenpeace said Lenovo, which bought IBM’s consumer electronics division in 2005, scores top marks on its e-waste policies and practice. It noted Lenovo 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," Greenpeace said. Also in the top five on the Greenpeace list are Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Dell, and Samsung. Sony Ericsson was the first company to set a timeline of Jan. 1, 2008 for eliminating substances in addition to those banned by the European RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electronic products) Directive, including phthalates, beryllium and some uses of antimony compounds. “Greening the electronic industry means greening the supply chain with the elimination of the use of hazardous chemicals in production. The more companies commit to cleaning up their products, the better for Southeast Asia where many electronics and semi-conductor industries are based," said Greenpeace Southeast Asia Toxics Campaigner Beau Baconguis. In contrast, Sony and LG Electronics were penalized for practicing double standards on their regional and national policies for recycling their own-branded products. While both companies support Individual Producer Responsibility elsewhere in the world, in the United States they are part of a coalition opposing producer responsibility laws and calling for consumers, instead of producers, to pay for the recycling of e-waste. “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!" said Kruszewska. - GMANews.TV