Articles

Samsung Galaxy S4 first to achieve sustainability certification for smartphones

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone is the first to achieve internationally recognized requirements for environmental design and socially responsible manufacturing. As the largest manufacturer of smartphones worldwide, Samsung is the first major brand to achieve the TCO Certified Smartphones product certification.
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First sustainability certification for smartphones will focus on socially responsible manufacturing and environment

TCO Development has announced the expansion of its worldwide sustainability certification for IT products to include smartphones. The new certification will provide smartphone buyers and users with an easier way to choose devices that meet criteria for socially responsible manufacturing, minimal environmental impact as well as ergonomic design.

E-Waste: hazardous to the environment and human health

A new study on the effects of E-waste on human health reveals serious negative outcomes for those dismantling and handling components of discarded electronics. The study, published by the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, details that workers, some as young as six years of age, are routinely exposed to hazardous materials and inhalation of toxic gases through direct handling of discarded electronics. People affected by this health crisis are mostly in areas where there is little knowledge about the health risks and in many cases no basic health care or social protections.

First computer displays certified for socially responsible manufacturing

Now IT purchasers can choose computer displays that meet new TCO Certified criteria for socially responsible manufacturing. TCO Development today announced the first displays to meet the latest TCO Certified sustainability certification, which includes CSR factors along with environmental and usability requirements.

Statement from TCO Development – Apple leaves EPEAT

The fact that Apple is leaving the EPEAT register because their products can’t be recycled in a way that is environmentally acceptable is one example. Nevertheless the IT-industry needs to take measures. To produce one computer uses about 1.500 kg of water, human rights are violated in the production, the level and handling of the world’s e-waste can’t be neglected. It is a good sign that Apple is sincere and withdraws the products from the EPEAT registration when they can’t meet the standards.

First IT products to meet new social responsibility requirements in TCO Certified

The first IT products to achieve the new generation TCO Certified sustainability certification are out. Focusing on environmental, social and economic responsibility, TCO Certified is the first program of it’s kind to enhance its environmental certification with requirements for corporate social responsibility – CSR - in production facilities for IT products.

A Third Party Verification Of Socially Responsible Production Conditions

TCO Certified, the international third party sustainability certification for IT products, now requires independent verification of ethical working conditions among electronics manufacturers applying for product certification. The launch of TCO Development's new tightened social responsibility requirements offers the industry an effective and credible way to improve and verify their progress towards more ethical production practices.

New Leading Edge Phone Headset Certification Based on Enhanced Acoustic Quality

The more demanding TCO Certified Edge Headsets program takes acoustic protection a step further by requiring headsets to also limit sudden increases in volume, which can cause user discomfort, fatigue and potential hearing loss with repeated exposure. All headsets carrying the TCO Certified label are independently tested and verified to meet advanced environmental, performance and social responsibility requirements.

NEC U Series projector range first in its class to receive TCO certification

“The TCO certification is certainly one of the most prestigious when it comes to third party validation of our technology. Being one of the first companies to be able to offer TCO Certified ultra short throw projectors shows that we are leading in the development of state-of-the-art technology and that image quality, reliability and future proofed functionality remain at the forefront in every one of our product ranges,” said Ulf Greiner, Product Line Manager Business Projectors at NEC Display Solutions Europe.