December 9th, 2010
November 24th 2010, the European Parliament overwhelmingly supported a science-based approach to European Union (EU) legislation by adopting the new RoHS Directive This decision secured the continued use of flame retardants, including brominated flame retardants, in electrical and electronic equipment. Albemarle applauds this decision as the text of the agreement is a significant improvement compared to the current RoHS Directive. The new Directive moves away from blacklisting of substances to a modernized legislation aligned with the newest evaluation processes such as REACH. It provides clarity, predictability and legal certainty not only for our industry, but for society as a whole, on the issue of substance restriction.
For our customers, this means that they can continue to use substances currently on the market today, such as brominated flame retardants, in their electrical and electronic equipment applications to secure the highest fire safety for their consumers. For Albemarle, this means that we will continue to provide you with the portfolio of safe, effective and efficient materials that you are accustomed to. We are pleased with the Parliament’s vote, and with their reliance on sound science to reach this decision. It is a clear recognition of the growing need for legislation based on facts rather than perception and the importance of the role of brominated flame retardants in electrical and electronic equipment.
The agreement was negotiated between the European institutions, and is expected to be formally adopted in December. Following formal adoption, the final Directive will be published in early 2011.
More About the New RoHS Directive
As approved, the new RoHS Directive includes a more consistent framework for assessing chemicals in the EU and a defined methodology for reviewing and amending the Directive, which shall be coherent with REACH. All the EU institutions have supported the Commission’s proposal not to expand the list of restricted substances in Annex IV, and The Parliament and the Member States have also addressed the concerns over potentially discriminatory listing of substances by deleting Annex III.
Impact on Flame Retardants
-All flame retardant substances currently on the market for electrical & electronic equipment devices can continue to be used as no new restrictions have been added.
-The principle of sound science has been adhered to. The European Institutions recognize the need for evaluation of individual flame retardants rather than blacklisting whole families of flame retardants without scientific basis.
Impact on DecaBDE
The scope of new RoHS Directive was extended, which has an impact on DecaBDE. Being banned already under the current RoHS, there are now more applications covered where alternatives to DecaBDE must be found. Albemarle has a broad portfolio of solutions which meet these needs, and we look forward to finding optimal solutions to provide the market with the very best solutions.
If you have any further questions or inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our European Advocacy Department – eMail: Florian.Kohl@albemarle.com, Tel.: +32-10-48-17-56.
Tags: albemarle, Brominated Flame Retardants, fire safety, Fire safety legislation, flame retardant, REACH, RoHS
Posted in Brominated Flame Retardants, Electronics market, Halogen vs Non-Halogen debate, REACH, RoHS Directive, decabde
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November 19th, 2010
EFRA just released a new overview of the main flame retardant systems used in electronic and electrical devices, and how the different systems are effectively deployed to prevent fire in E&E components, including printed wiring boards, wires and cables, connectors and enclosures.
Download your copy of Keeping Fire in Check in Electrical and Electronics Devices. Learn more about GreenArmor a breakthrough technology in eco-friendly fire safety for a variety of resin applications.
Since 1990, EFRA (The European Flame Retardants Association) has been bringing together leading companies which manufacture or market flame retardants in Europe. EFRA covers all types of flame retardants: chemicals based on bromine, chlorine, phosphorus, nitrogen and inorganic compounds. EFRA is a sector group of Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council.
Tags: Brominated Flame Retardants, Eco-friendly flame retardant, flame retardant technology, GreenArmor, specialty chemicals, Sustainability
Posted in Brominated Flame Retardants, Electronics market, European Flame Retardant Association, Halogen vs Non-Halogen debate, PP wire and cable, Television market, Uncategorized, fire safety
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November 15th, 2010
If you are involved in Green Technology you may be interested that the USPTO has recently announced that a Green Technology Pilot Program which allows for expedited processing of patent applications related to green technology is being extended through December 31, 2011 due to the programs success.
Tags: albemarle corporation, brominated compounds, Green Chemistry, specialty chemicals, Sustainability
Posted in Conferences, Education, Electronics market, Green Chemistry, Sustainability, Uncategorized
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October 13th, 2010
In an earlier comment on the vast numbers of computers, cellphones and digital products being discarded, the statistic that only 15-20% of them are recycled was somewhat alarming.
This rather low level of recycling is borne out by a recent study by Retrevo.
Despite the fact that at least 20 states have an electronics recycling law and some others have voluntary recycling projects, more than 60% of people surveyed do not incorporate their electronic gadgets and devices into their recycling practices:
- Only 39% of people claim to recycle all of their old electronic gadgets
- 17% don’t know how to recycle their old gadgets
- 7% didn’t care to know how to recycle their old gadgets
- 26% didn’t get around to it
- 11% said e-cycling wasn’t available where they lived
Some major retailers, such as RadioShack, Costco and Sam’s Club, offer trade-ins; there is a ray of hope that this incentive will remind consumers to e-cycle. Best Buy will accept items in its stores and will pick up old TVs when delivering a new television set. gift card for immediate use;
Furthermore, if manufacturers joined HP and Gateway in promoting e-cycling, more buyers might earn rebates that would be applied to their new model.
As consumers approach the holiday shopping season, it’s time for manufacturers and retailers to do their part to help reduce ewaste by actively promoting e-cycling as good for consumers and good for the planet.
The responsible disposal of electronic gadgets and devices raises concerns because many components are not biodegradable and will seep into the ground and perhaps groundwater sources. Newer models may be equipped with environmentally friendly parts, such as an eco-friendly fire safety solution, so discarding them will have a lesser impact on the landfill over time.
Tags: e-cycling, Eco-friendly flame retardant, electronics recycling, ewaste, manufacturers, recycling, research, Retrevo, study
Posted in Electronics market, Sustainability
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August 19th, 2010
EPA to Take Action on Chemicals Used in Dyes, Flame Retardants, and Industrial Detergents Efforts to limit exposure and reduce harm to people
Release date: 08/18/2010
WASHINGTON – As part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s commitment to strengthen and reform chemical management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released action plans today to address the potential health risks of benzidine dyes, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and nonylphenol (NP)/nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). The chemicals are widely used in both consumer and industrial applications, including dyes, flame retardants, and industrial laundry detergents. The plans identify a range of actions the agency is considering under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Read full release
The Earthwise Fire Safety blog commends the EPA for their continued efforts to make our planet a safe environment for all living things. These efforts align with the chemical industry’s commitment to sustainability in products and to consumer safety. Today, the chemical industry spends millions of dollars on green chemistry R&D to create and introduce new eco-friendly solutions for many business sectors.
For example, the flame retardants that are critical ingredients in many consumer electronic products, as well as the interiors of automobiles and airplanes, save lives and protect property from fires. These flame retardants are now available as eco-friendly alternatives to products from the past. Trial testing by industry leader Albemarle and its Earthwise brand are currently underway and many of these new green alternatives will be introduced to the market later this year.
High-efficiency polystyrene insulation is very important to everyone’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and global warming, but this insulation requires highly effective flame retardants to maintain fire safety. The chemical industry has been working to develop a new generation of flame retardants that does not present the same concerns as HBCD. The new products are based on polymers (like a plastic) with larger molecules, which impede their absorption by humans, animals and plants.
Tags: albemarle corporation, chemistry industry, EPA, flame retardant, green fire safety, GreenArmor, protect property, save lives, Sustainability
Posted in Brominated Flame Retardants, Eco-friendly flame retardant, Electronics market, Government policy, GreenArmor, Sustainability, Uncategorized
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August 4th, 2010
(Seen in WSJ August 4, 2010) Americans are spending more on electronics like iPads and flat-screen televisions and less on durable goods like furniture, washing machines and lawn mowers, according to government data released Tuesday.
Consumers are spending on electronics over durable goods like furniture. Above, shoppers for televisions at Costco in Mountain View, Calif.
The shift reflects a change in priorities for American consumers. After pouring money into all aspects of their homes during the previous decade, consumers are redirecting their purchases to eye-grabbing technology and socking away more of what’s left over into savings. Apparel company executives are worried the lure of electronics will eat into their sales as the back-to-school season gets under way.
Outlays for televisions, computers, video and telephone equipment grew 1.8% in the first six months of this year, compared to the first half of pre-recession 2007, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. By comparison, spending on appliances decreased 3.6% during the same period, and spending on furniture decreased 11% during that time. Full story
As electronics increase in households so does the need for fire safety.
The debate continues on best solutions. OEMs weigh in on subject of what is green?
New green generation of flame retardants studied. Earthwise’s GreenArmor discussed at conference.
Tags: electronics, fire safety, flame retardants
Posted in Brominated Flame Retardants, Eco-friendly flame retardant, Electronics market, Halogen vs Non-Halogen debate, In the news, Television market
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August 2nd, 2010
One of many topics discussed at China RoHS annual conference receiving support and interest in further talks from OEMs and MIIT 5 Institute’s Luo Daojun
A hot topic at the conference opened up many new discussions on the applications of flame retardants in E&E products. Noted by several industry experts, presentations detailed the misperceptions and facts about the relationship between Flame retardants and the environment concerning water, toxic gas and dioxin.
Regarding non-halogen, speakers emphasized that it is simply a marketing term used by many companies intending to brand themselves “green” and “caring for consumers,” though, in fact, “non-halogen” does not necessarily mean “less hazard to people and environment.” As with any chemical, the eco-friendliness of any specific fire safety chemical must be determined on a case-by-case basis. No broad category (halogen, non-halogen, mineral…) can be said to be “more green” than another. Small changes in molecular structure can have substantial impact on the persistence, toxicity and bio-availability of any chemical technology.
The point was echoed by the MIIT 5th Institute in its presentation. The presentations generated enormous discussions among the audience. Many OEMs agreed that non-halogen should not be misused as green label. Some said that the discussions could be a good starting point to rethink the non-halogen trend and find a sustainable way that will benefit all rather than being bound by the unreasonable term.
Luo Daojun from MIIT 5th Institute stood by the presenters on this issue saying that these years of work are rewarding, especially with a reputable partner with quasi-governmental background. Luo Daojun is a director of the 5th Institute and is a key drafter of China RoHS.
Regarding China RoHS, the standard is now being reviewed and will cover more categories in addition to IT products. It is likely that the future will be on par with the EU RoHS.
The RoHS catalogue will not cover new products in near future. The MIIT seeks to “test the water” by introducing a voluntary certification system regarding hazardous substances detection before China Compulsory Certification (CCC) is applied. It caused much debate because many members think they are not involved in the policy making process while are only notified after the decision was made. Current situation shows again that China RoHS will be very different from EU RoHS in procedures and working model.
Tags: Brominated Flame Retardants, China, China RoHS, conference, Eco-friendly flame retardant, fire retardant, flame retardants, halogen, Luo Daojun, MIIT 5 Institute, non-halogen, OEM's, RoHS, Sustainability
Posted in Brominated Flame Retardants, Eco-friendly flame retardant, Electronics market, Government policy, Sustainability
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July 12th, 2010
Flame retardant expert Susan D. Landry reveals how green chemistry advancements will progress
Landry works with Earthwise™, a division of Albemarle, which will release an environmentally preferred flame retardant, GreenArmor™, later this year. Creating an industry with minimized environmental impact begins with the research and development of eco-friendly, non-bioaccumulative compounds, like GreenArmor, but involves players at every level of production and implementation.
Landry highlights three things necessary for increased sustainability:
- Mandatory regulations
- Voluntary phase-outs
- Life-cycle awareness
Landry asks that users of flame retardants participate in VECAP (Voluntary Emissions Control Action Program) to address emissions in the manufacturing, processing and waste disposal stages of the product life-cycle.
To find out more, go see Landry’s presentation, “Regulatory Status and Sustainability of Flame Retardants,” at the IPC It’s Not Easy Being Green symposium, July 19-21. You can view the presentation slides below, or click here to download them.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: earthwise, eco-friendly, Eco-friendly flame retardant, fire retardant, flame retardant
Posted in Automotive Flame Retardants, Aviation market, Brominated Flame Retardants, Conferences, Eco-friendly flame retardant, Electronics market, Green Chemistry, GreenArmor, Halogen vs Non-Halogen debate, Sustainability, Uncategorized, VECAP
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May 7th, 2010
In a recent article of Circuitree, Fern Abrams, the IPC’s director of environmental policy. discusses the latest edition of Greenpeace’s guide to greener electronics. According to Abrams, it began as a way “to use publicity to nudge electronics companies toward better environmental performance” but they are now “asking (companies) to lobby for regulations to require all companies to remove these (hazardous) substances.”
The system deducts points for companies who don’t lobby for Greenpeace’s viewpoints. Abrams continues to say that “if companies do not agree with the Greenpeace viewpoint and do not speak out for fear of retribution, it becomes censorship.”
To read the article in its entirety, please visit Circuittree.
Tags: greenpeace guide to greener electronics
Posted in Electronics market, In the news
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