O2 has launched what it's describing as "the first ever eco rating system for mobile phones in the UK. It's persuaded six of the largest handset manufacturers to participate - Nokia, Sony Ericsson, HTC, LG, Samsung and Palm – and has placed the Sony Ericsson Elm top out of the 65 mobiles it surveyed, giving it an 4.3 out of 5 (86%) Eco rating.
The Nokia 1800, Nokia 6700, Samsung Wave GT-S8500, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro and Sony Ericsson Zylo were all in joint second place.
The company notes that "Apple has decided not to participate as they publish their own data on their website" and "RIM has been involved in the research phase… …and intends to participate in 2011, if not earlier".
The project is a collaboration in partnership with UK sustainable development organisation Forum for the Future. Eco ratings will be shown alongside product information in the O2 shop.
[O2 background document (pdf)]