More than two and half years after it launched PCs that comply with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) norms, Wipro which also sells personal computers as part of it’s India and West Asia IT business, has launched desktops that are completely free of hazardous chemicals like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retradants (BFRs). The company which annually produces about 200,000 units of PCs says that 15-20 per cent of the PCs manufactured by the company will be free of PVC and BFRs initially which will gradually be increased in a phased manner.
The European regulations on RoHS restricts the use of six toxic substances including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE). However, it does not restrict the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs). The presence of these substances in electronic equipment not only makes them difficult to recycle but also causes health hazards like neurological disorder, especially during the process of recycling. Wipro has launched Greenware range of desktops which are free from carcinogenic materials like PVC and BFRs.
“Wipro Greenware is testimony to our leadership and commitment in providing green products free of deadly chemicals which are easy to recycle. In spite of challenges, we are determined to phase out PVC and BFRs from our products. It took innovative thinking, R&D and, investments and ecosystem participation to finally introduce a breakthrough product that ensures safer recycling,” said Ashok Tripathy, GM and head, systems & technology business of Wipro Infotech. He said the consumers would not have to pay any extra amount while buying these green PCs.
In 2005, global environmental NGO Greenpeace had launched a campaign against Wipro demanding that the company introduce a proper take-back and recycling policy, and a policy for phasing out of hazardous materials. Following this, Wipro has taken a series of initiatives to make its products greener.
As per the latest edition of Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics, Wipro held a joint second position with Samsung whereas Nokia was leading the list. Other than Wipro, another Indian PC maker HCL had also figured in the list because of its focus on e-waste management and climate control.
