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.

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.

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.

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.

A new generation of TCO Certified sustainability criteria for personal computers and displays are drafted by TCO Development

“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.

TCO Certified, the worldwide third party sustainability certification for IT products, launched the program’s first certified tablet PC.

Headset from Plantronics first with new TCO Certified Headset certification