Greenpeace has just released its latest rankings in their Greener Electronics Guide. The guide is updated three times a year and ranks the top 18 manufacturers of mobile phones, computers, TVs and game consoles.
The ratings are based on the manufacturers’ policies on toxic chemicals, take back and recycling programmes and impact on climate change.
One of the main factors looked at was the presence of hazardous e-waste materials that can leak chemicals into the ground when not properly recycled.
Greenpeace says: “Some BFRs (brominated flame retardants) used in circuit boards and plastic casings, do not break down easily and build up in the environment. Long-term exposure can lead to impaired learning and memory functions…
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a plastic used in some electronics products… Chlorinated dioxins and furans are released when PVC is produced or disposed of by incineration (or simply burning). These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and many are toxic even in very low concentrations.”
Nokia took the first place in the rankings. Since 2005 all of its new products have been PVC-free. They performed least well on e-waste issues.
Sony Erricson took second place again for all of their products being free of PVC vinyl plastic and BFRs. Samsung jumped from 13th place to 5th as a result of one of its penalty points being lifted and improvements in its score on chemicals.