LG Electronics, the global consumer electronics giant, is to abolish the use of all hazardous substances and will ban the use of hazardous lead in all products by the end of 2004.
In what’s seen as a bold and progressive move, the digital leader is taking vigorous steps to pre-empt increasingly stiff environment legislation from the EU, the US, China and other nations.
‘LGE’s environment-friendly management strategies will employ radical steps such as prohibiting the use of hazardous substances in products by the end of 2004 and maintaining them below regulated levels. The company will also adopt the use of lead-free soldering in all products by the end of 2004,’ said S.S.Kim, CEO and Vice Chairman, LG Electronics.
Using EU guidelines, LG Electronics will also structure an EU-mandated system to collect and treat waste products improving the reuse rate, and also develop environment-friendly products and expand its green-purchase system.
‘LG Electronics has adopted environmentally friendly practices for a number of years,’ said Mr. M.B. Shin, President, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa Operations. ‘But as a good corporate citizen, we cannot rest on our laurels.
‘Developed nations such as those in Europe and the United States are employing advanced environmentally-friendly technologies and policies and it is our duty to stay on par if not ahead of current requirements.’
LGE’s environment-friendly management strategy will employ radical changes to current production systems. The company has brought on-line laboratories designed to analyse product components that are due to be banned by EU mandates by July 2006, such as +6 chrome, cadmium, and mercury.
Through lab analysis, LGE will develop alternative substances and operate a system to manage hazardous substances by the end of 2004 by implementing stricter product management criteria compared to EU directives.
LGE has already unveiled its 2003 lead-free solder products such as LCD TVs, monitors, washing machines and air conditioners and is set to apply lead-free soldering to all products by the end of 2004.
The company will also implement various measures to lower the costs for collecting and treating waste products that currently represent 5-6% of sales, by 30% by 2004. It will also structure a system by June 2005 to collect and treat all products sold in the EU market.
To enhance the reuse rates of products and the efficiency of resources, the company will set up its own management criteria to apply strengthened standards. In particular, it will set rates 10% higher than the EU’s criteria for reuse rates by product.
To encourage the implementation of environment-friendly activities among its partners, the company will also introduce its green purchase system. Through the system, LGE will only purchase parts that meet its criteria to halt the use of hazardous substances. At the same time, it will prepare support programs for its partners to foster environment-friendly firms.
From AME Info