Climate, substances, circularity and supply chain
Roadmap
ㅤㅤfor Sustainable IT
30 years of consistent effort have resulted in a strong track record of success
CLIMATE
Energy efficiency and longer lifespans have reduced the climate impact of IT products
Substances
Our ground-breaking system for safer substances helps IT brands avoid hazards
Circularity
We’ve strengthened circular flows to extend product and material lifespans
Supply chain
30 years of systematic work have resulted in more responsible factories
Our goals for the future are ambitious and we have detailed plans to achieve them
Explore our Roadmap
for Sustainable IT
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Climate
The issue
IT products contribute to the climate crisis with emissions throughout their life cycle
Climate change is becoming increasingly severe, evident through extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and damage to both nature and people. Immediate action is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all major sources, including IT products.
The good news is that effective methods are already available. A significant portion of an IT product’s climate impact occurs during manufacturing, so extending the lifespan of your product can have a substantial impact.
Our approach
Reducing scope 2 and 3 emissions: supply chain and product life cycle
To reduce direct (scope 2) and indirect (scope 3) emissions, we ensure that products are designed for a long life and incentivize users to keep products longer. We also promote energy efficiency in products and factories and ensure that IT brands help increase the demand for renewable energy.
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Progress so far
1992
The automatic standby mode for displays helped reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of products.1995
Ozone-depleting chemicals were banned from the manufacturing of certified products.1999
Energy efficiency requirements on displays and PCs lowered the energy consumption during use.2009
We made our criteria for energy efficiency stricter and aligned them to Energy Star and the International Efficiency Protocol.2021
To reduce energy use in manufacturing, final assembly factories had to have an energy management system in place, certified to ISO 50001.ㅤ
Timeline 2024-2033
Steps we take 2024-2026
Reducing emissions from production
Scope 3 emission reductions beyond industry standards. IT brands are incentivized to implement emission-reduction activities that go beyond industry standards. Verified best practices are shared with other brands to speed up the pace of change.
Increasing the demand for renewable energy. To increase the amount of renewable energy produced, IT brands must purchase renewable electricity equivalent to 15% of their consumption in final assembly factories. Purchases must be made using accredited systems.
Reducing energy use further into the supply chain. We go beyond final assembly and require that display panel factories implement an energy management system certified to ISO 50001.
Reducing emissions from use
Extending product life to 5+ years. To significantly reduce annual emissions, products must be designed for a longer lifespan and supported with a warranty and free security and functionality updates for at least five years.
Improving the energy efficiency of products. Products must meet the latest energy efficiency standards of Energy Star or equivalent.
Coming steps 2027-2032
Reducing emissions from production
Stricter requirements for scope 3 emissions. IT brands must now ensure reductions of at least 30%, of which a maximum of 20% can be achieved through compensation.
Greater demand for renewable energy. To further promote renewables, IT brands must purchase a larger amount of renewable electricity. The percentage will be based on their consumption in both final assembly factories and display panel factories.
The next step for energy-efficient suppliers. We extend the requirement for energy management in factories (ISO 50001) to semiconductor factories.
Reducing emissions from use
Extending product life to 6+ years. To keep reducing annual emissions, we take the next step in product longevity and demand that products are supported by a product warranty and security and functionality updates for at least six years.
Stricter standards for energy-efficient products. Products must meet even stricter requirements on energy efficiency, in line with the latest updates of Energy Star.
Less energy wasted. Power supply units must be at least 90% energy efficient.
Our goal for 2033
Climate
Best practice methods for reducing scope 3 emissions have been implemented by all IT brands with certified products. The public list of reduction activities is now long, and as detailed descriptions of how to implement them are also available, the pace of change is increasing, in the IT industry and in other sectors. Verified emissions data has led to greater energy efficiency in supply chain hotspots and we have influenced a steady increase in the demand for renewable energy, through accredited purchases.
The vision
A future where all certified products are climate-neutral.
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Substances
The issue
350,000 substances on the market — only 1% have been risk-assessed
Hazardous substances used in IT product manufacturing pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Throughout the life cycle, products may release dioxins, halogens and other toxicants, which can persist in the natural environment and the human body. Only around 1% of the 350,000 chemicals available today have been risk-assessed.
The common approach of banning substances only after they are identified as hazardous is not adequate, as regulatory measures lag behind and do not keep pace with the number of chemicals entering the market.
Our approach
Considering all substances a risk until proven otherwise
With TCO Certified, information about each substance is gathered and evaluated by an independent toxicologist. Unless it is found to be a safer alternative, it cannot be used in certified products and manufacturing processes. Approved substances are added to TCO Certified Accepted Substance List. This list is public and open to anyone and can be used to drive the use of safer substances across all industries.
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Progress so far
1995
A ban on cadmium, mercury, halogenated flame retardants and ozone-depleting chemicals made certified products safer.
1999
Lead and chromium were banned from being used in products.2003
To prepare for future criteria, IT brands had to report the use of non-halogenated flame retardants in production.2009
Non-halogenated flame retardants of high risk were banned from products. Heavy metals and halogens were banned from product packaging.2015
To further promote the use of safer substances, we revised our strategy and decided to view all substances as a risk until tested and approved as safer. All approved substances are listed on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List. Flame retardants were the first category included on the list. The same year, we also banned phthalates from products.2018
TCO Certified Accepted Substance List was expanded to also include plasticizers. To prepare for the next step, IT brands had to report their use of process chemicals in factories.2021
To protect worker health, we expanded our accepted list strategy to also include cleaners and solvents used in final assembly factories.ㅤ
Timeline 2024-2033
Steps we take 2024-2026
Improving safety in production
Preparing for safer adhesives and lubricants. IT brands must report their use of adhesives and lubricants in factories.
Safer cleaners and solvents in display panel factories. Our criteria for safer cleaners and solvents are expanded to include display panel factories.
Improving safety in products
Only safer stabilizers can be used. Stabilizers is a new category on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List. Before stabilizer chemicals can be used in products, they must be tested and approved as safer by an idependent toxicologist.
Cables are included in our accepted list strategy. External cables supplied with the product will be safer as they can now only contain flame retardants, plasticizers and stabilizers listed on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List.
Coming steps 2027-2032
Improving safety in production
Addressing hotspots to reduce chemical risk. IT brands must implement a management system to identify and address additional hazardous substances hotspots in supply chains.
Only safer adhesives can be used. Adhesives is a new category on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List. Before adhesives can be used in final assembly factories, they must be tested and approved as safer by an independent toxicologist.
Safer cleaners and solvents in semiconductor factories. Our criteria for safer cleaners and solvents are expanded to also include semiconductor factories.
Reducing risks even further in manufacturing. We raise the safety requirements for cleaners and solvents to be included on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List.
Improving safety in products
Only safer antioxidants and pigmants can be used. These are new categories on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List. Before antioxidants and pigmants can be used in products, they must be tested and approved as safer by an independent toxicologist.
Only safer halogens can be used in cables. Before halogens can be used in cables, they must be tested and approved as safer by an idependent toxicologist.
Reducing risks even further in products. We raise the safety requirements for flame retardants to be included on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List.
Our goal for 2033
Substances
Our accepted list strategy has identified safer alternatives in all high-risk substance categories that are used in products, packaging and manufacturing. Minimum risk assessment benchmarks have been raised and the requirements cover more sub-supply tiers in the supply chain. Our system detects and addresses emerging hotspots.
The vision
A future where only safe substances are used in certified products, their packaging and manufacturing.
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Circularity
The issue
Linearity damages fragile ecosystems and depletes resources
Our current linear production and consumption of IT products harm fragile ecosystems, deplete natural resources, and contribute to the climate crisis. Each year, over 60 million tonnes of e-waste are generated globally—a figure that continues to grow.
To reduce our environmental impact and secure the supply of essential materials, we must extend the lifespan of products and build truly circular flows of products and materials that are recovered and reused.
Our approach
Enabling long-lasting products and circular flows
TCO Certified promotes a circular IT industry by ensuring that products, components, and materials have a longer lifespan, appeal to secondary markets, and can be integrated into circular material flows.
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Progress so far
1995
We introduced our first circular criteria, focusing on product performance, take-back and recycling.1999-2003
Products were required to meet stricter and more comprehensive performance criteria.2009
To reduce electronic waste, products had to be compatible with standardized USB connectors, and critical spare parts needed to be available to improve product repairability.2018
We introduced a comprehensive package of circular criteria focusing on product longevity. Additional critical components and repair manuals had to be available. Batteries needed to be of high quality, and products had to pass rigorous drop and temperature tests. At least one USB Type-C connector was required to ensure future compatibility with new peripherals. To facilitate second-hand use, software for secure data removal had to be provided free of charge.2021
The criterion for standardized USB-C connectors was further strengthened, and new batteries had to be available for anyone to buy. We also started gathering information to identify weak links in the circular loops.ㅤ
Timeline 2024-2033
Steps we take 2024-2026
Ensuring that products are made for a long life
5+ years of supported product lifetime. The IT brand must support products for at least five years by providing product warranties and free security and functionality updates.
Battery replacements are made easier. Batteries must be replaceable by the end user using commonly available tools, or tools provided for free with the product, along with free instructions.
Repairability index for mobile devices. A repairability index indicates how easy it is to maintain and repair mobile devices, covering disassembly, spare parts, repair instructions and software updates.
Creating circular flows of products and materials
Products must be marked with a unique identifier. This is the first step to introducing a digital product passport in 2027.
Recycled packaging materials. Packaging that contains more than 20% plastic by weight must include at least 50% post-consumer recycled content. All parts weighing more than 25 grams must be separable into single material types without using tools.
Responsible e-waste management. Criteria promote the first steps toward a structured framework that expands the reach of take-back programs globally and ensures a more sustainable approach to reuse and recycling.
Coming steps 2027-2032
Ensuring that products are made for a long life
6+ years of supported product lifetime. The mandatory supported product life is extended to six years, and the user must be informed about the support period.
Replacing critical components is made easier. Critical components must be replaceable by users or replaced free of charge for six years.
Stricter requirements on repairability. Products must be more repairable, and have a minimum repairability index score.
Strategic work to extend product life. IT brands must have a strategy for how they work to improve product longevity.
The next step for standardized connectors. USB-C cables supplied with the product must have the capacity to transfer images, aside from functioning as a charging cable.
Creating circular flows of products and materials
Connecting the unique identifier to vital information. It must function as a digital product passport and contain information about product warranties, spare parts, repair manuals and critical materials.
The next step for recycled packaging. Packaging materials must contain no more than 10% plastics.
More recycled plastics in products. A higher amount of post-consumer recycled plastics is required in the product casing.
Improving e-waste management. IT brands will be responsible for taking back a larger share of certified products.
Promoting new business models. IT brands must offer product-as-a-service solutions to the user.
Our goal for 2033
Circularity
IT products are routinely used longer and certified products have a supported product life of at least 10 years. Repairability criteria have made products easier to maintain, repair and re-use. To strengthen circular flows of products and materials, we have made product take-back the norm and a buy-back scheme has raised the value of used certified products. Digital product passports support the transition to greater circularity and maintain product value over time.
The vision
A future where certified products, their components and their materials are circulated forever, create no waste and result in minimal material extraction.
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Supply chain
The issue
Supply chain responsibility – protecting workers and the environment
The IT supply chain faces significant sustainability issues. Workers experience excessive overtime, health and safety hazards and forced labor, and the environment is affected, locally and globally.
Driving improvements can be challenging, as the supply chain is complex, with thousands of sub-suppliers spread across multiple continents. A systematic approach is necessary to drive lasting social and environmental change at the factory level and further up the supply chain.
Our approach
Structured work, follow-up and accountability that drive long-term changes
We work systematically to address issues in factories and specific hotspots to reduce environmental risk and ensure safer conditions for workers in the IT product supply chains.
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Progress so far
1999
We introduced our first social supply chain criteria and required all final assembly factories to implement an environmental management system.2012
IT brands had to implement a strict code of conduct and permit independent auditors into the final assembly factories.2015
Our supply chain criteria were strengthened, requiring that manufacturing comply with local labor and health and safety laws, the ILO’s core conventions, and the UN Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Independent auditing and corrective action plans helped create long-term change in selected final assembly factories. To improve transparency, major sub-suppliers had to be declared. Brand owners were also required to appoint a Senior Management Representative to monitor and ensure compliance with supply chain criteria. The first criteria for responsible sourcing of conflict minerals were introduced, covering 3TG in the Democratic Republic of Congo.2018
TCO Certified Accepted Factory List created a risk-based auditing system and transparency in sharing audit results to increase collaboration toward the closure of non-compliances. We also expanded the scope for conflict minerals to include all regions in the world, and cobalt. To improve worker safety and well-being, and promote raised wage levels, workweeks were limited to 60 hours.2021
To improve the working environment, all final assembly factories had to implement a health and safety management system aligned with ISO 45001. These factories must also manage environmental responsibilities systematically, in line with ISO 14001 (environment) and ISO 50001 (energy management).ㅤ
Timeline 2024-2033
Steps we take 2024-2026
Reduce environmental risks
Environmental management in display panel factories. An environmental management system certified to ISO 14001 is required.
Energy management in display panel factories. An energy management system certified to ISO 50001 is required.
Improve working conditions
Extending proactive work to display panel factories. Our comprehensive system for active monitoring and follow-up of working conditions is implemented in display panel factories.
Protecting workers in display panel factories. We expand our criteria to the next level in the supply chain and require that display panel factories implement a health and safety management system certified to ISO 45001.
Responsibly sourced minerals. We are driving industry engagement to responsibly source 3TG and cobalt by creating a structured system that promotes the use of RMAP conformant mineral smelters and refiners.
Coming steps 2027-2032
Reduce environmental risks
Environmental management in semiconductor factories. An environmental management system certified to ISO 14001 is required.
Energy management in semiconductor factories. An energy management system certified to ISO 50001 is required.
Ensuring that risk minerals are reused. Smelters and refiners of conflict minerals and cobalt must use recycled scrap in their production.
Ensuring more responsible water use. We introduce the first criterion on water management in panel factories.
Improve working conditions
Extending proactive work to display panel factories. Our comprehensive system for active monitoring and follow-up of working conditions is implemented in semiconductor factories.
Protecting workers in semiconductor factories. Semiconductor factories must implement a health and safety management system certified to ISO 45001.
Stricter requirements on responsibly sourced minerals. More smelters and refiners of conflict minerals must be RMAP certified.
Our goal for 2033
Supply chain
Our ongoing monitoring and follow-up of supply chain criteria have been extended further into the supply chain. Workers are now being paid a living wage. Criteria for water management support water conservation close to manufacturing sites. Responsible mineral sourcing criteria have expanded to include additional risk minerals such as mica and lithium.
The vision
A future where the production of certified products, their components and materials is carried out with the well-being of all people in mind and without harm to the environment.