ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
In response to concerns about the effect of industrial activity on the environment, the EU, and most industrialised nations, have introduced new legislation.
The regulations seek to control the use of potentially hazardous substances ( RoHS ), and to control the disposal of electrical and electronic waste ( WEEE ).
RoHS
The Regulation on Hazardous Substances lists a number of substances, including lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and certain bromide based flame retardants, which are no longer to be used (except in trace quantities below specified concentrations, and in some exempt items e.g. cadmium in switches, and in medical and control equipment).
WEEE
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment regulations aim to ensure that this type of waste is disposed of using environmentally sound methods, and specify that the cost of disposal is bourne by the producer (usually the brand owner or importer). The regulations vary in detail from country to country, but the basic principles are the same.
Where We Stand
As a product design company, we at Project Electronics have an important part to play. Environmentally sensitive design is not just kind to the environment, but is also cost-effective. For example, a product which can be easily disassembled can be recycled more readily, and therefore more cheaply. Now that the producer is responsible for paying for disposal at end-of-life, this approach has the added benefit of reducing costs.
Clean Design
'Clean design' is an important part of our design philosophy, and we ensure that our engineers are suitably trained to appreciate all the relevant factors, so you get the cost benefits and peace of mind that you are meeting your environmental responsibilities.