Sustainability certification a catalyst for IT industry progress in socially responsible manufacturing

According to recent figures from TCO Development, products from 15 major brands of displays, computers and other devices have now fulfilled new criteria for socially responsible manufacturing required by the TCO Certified sustainability certification for IT products.

At the 2012 launch of the stricter social criteria for TCO Certified, no brand was able to show full compliance for the product submitted for certification. However only one year later and products from 15 major brands have instituted work procedures to create more sustainable manufacturing practices.

For the products to fulfill the criteria, third party audits must be conducted at facilities where designated TCO Certified products are manufactured. Additionally, corrective action plans for any non-compliance with TCO Certified criteria must be developed. Brands must prove compliance every year through a third party social audit.

”It’s encouraging news that products from 15 brands have fulfilled the criteria and have routines in place”, comments Sören Enholm, CEO of TCO Development. “As more brands begin to see that social responsibility is important to their customers, we are better positioned to make real progress. Enholm continues; “There is still much to do, but it’s a positive development that buyers are specifying TCO Certified in their purchasing and industry is hearing that message. What’s vital now is that even more buyers join the movement and continue this momentum.”

IT product manufacturing has come under increasing criticism. Workers are routinely prohibited from organizing and excessive overtime is common. The provisions in TCO Certified target these problems and provide a concrete framework with continuous improvements that manufacturers must follow. TCO certified product models also meet strict environmental and health/safety criteria.