Greenpeace launched its Green Electronics Guide Rankings in August 2006 which included world’s 14 leading mobile and computer manufacturers. There is a rise in awareness about global environmental problems and companies are trying to do their bit and act more responsibly. Especially when it comes to e-waste, there are companies which have started recycling their waste instead of dumping their waste in countries with lower environmental standards and working conditions. They have also reduced usage of toxic chemicals in their production process which would make recycling more safe and easy.

This ranking takes into account these companies’ policies and actions pertaining to two areas:

Firstly, regarding reduction of hazardous chemical emissions in producing their products, which is a determinant of safe recycling of the products. It takes into consideration the following criteria:

i) Chemical policy followed by the company on the basis of the precautionary principle
ii) Policy for managing chemicals; list of substances, identification of problematic substances for future substitution or total elimination
iii) Timelines for eliminating usage of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic and Brominated Flame Retardants (apart from those banned by EU’s RoHS Directive)
iv) Models of electronic products which are PVC and BFR free

Secondly, their recycling initiatives and responsibility towards taking back the discarded post consumer products. This has the following criteria:

i) Producer responsibility for recycling or reusing their own-brand obsolete products
ii) Policy of taking back the products voluntarily in all countries where its products are sold even if national laws pertaining to producer responsibility towards e-waste are not present
iii) Dissemination of clear information to customers pertaining to the company’s recycling activities in all countries where products are sold
iv) Availability of reports on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment that is collected and recycled

It is important to note here that these rankings do not include labour standards or energy issues, though it recognizes its importance in the production process of electronic and electrical products.

In all, 6 editions have been out till date; August 2006, December 2006, March 2007, June 2007, September 2007 and December 2007.

Comparitive Table for the Reports is as follows:

These rankings will act as a dynamic tool and would be a motivating factor for companies to ‘Go Green’ and reduce the criticism these companies get from various environmental groups.For detailed report, please click here