The latest version of Greenpeace’s Guide to Greener Electronics sees Nokia and Sony Ericsson remaining in first and second place. The guide ranks the 18 top manufacturers of personal computers, mobile phones, TVs and games consoles according to their policies on toxic chemicals, recycling and climate change. Nokia is commended for supporting a 30% cut in greenhouse gas emissions and for phasing out certain toxic chemicals in new models, while Sony Ericsson is noted as being the best performer on the toxic chemicals criteria of all the ranked brands.
However, Greenpeace notes that Toshiba has dropped from 3rd to 14th position and Samsung has fallen from 7th to 13th after receiving 'penalty points' for failing to meet a commitment to phase out PVC and BFRs (brominated flame retardants) from their supply chain.
Iza Kruszewska, Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner, said "These industry giants cannot claim to be green until they follow through on their commitments to eliminate substances from their products that are harmful to the environment and public health. Companies that are still using PVC and BFRs in their products need to follow the lead of Apple, HP and Indian brands HCL and Wipro who are phasing out these toxic chemicals."