Sustainability Certification Raises the Bar for Recycled Content in IT Products.

In a step forward for sustainable IT, product certification organization TCO Development announces the first products to meet a new certification for computer displays containing a minimum of 85% post consumer recycled plastics.

Unlike metals and other valuable materials, recycling of plastic is less common and presents several challenges. The TCO Certified Edge certification recognizes products that feature leading edge sustainability attributes: in this case that at least 85% of the total weight of all plastic parts come from post consumer recycled materials.

The first displays to certify to the new requirement come from Lenovo. A complete listing of certified products is available on the TCO Development website.

Stephen Fuller, Business Area Manager for displays at TCO Development comments, “The growing use of recycled materials among IT brands is a positive step toward greater producer responsibility and turning the tide of the e-waste crisis”

The 85% minimum is challenging but achievable as industry initiatives and access to recycled materials improve. Fuller continues; “By introducing requirements for halogen-free plastic as early as 1995, TCO Development has also been able to help ensure a greater supply of uncontaminated plastics suitable for recycling.”

Certified displays will offer buyers clear sustainability benefits; less raw materials used, lower pollution and CO2 emissions through primary extraction and manufacturing as well as less material entering the waste stream.

All displays certified to TCO Certified Edge meet all other criteria in TCO Certified, including plastics requirements like the WEEE directive and labeling for easier recycling.

Backgrounder

For further information about the challenges and opportunities regarding recycled plastics in IT products, read our backgrounder.

To the backgrounder.