by jbs081110 c3 — August 13, 2010—Global environmental evaluation and certification provider UL Environment recently announced a collaborative effort to develop sustainability standards for handheld consumer electronic products.
The initial standard requirements will focus on mobile phones, including basic models and “smart” phones. These standards, which will draw upon input from numerous stakeholders, will assist manufacturers, consumers and retailers in identifying more sustainable options when purchasing these devices.
The standards will be based on environmental assessment of a product’s entire lifecycle, from raw materials to manufacture, use and disposal. It is expected to address energy efficiency, recycled content and packaging, among other elements. Initial drafts of the sustainability standards are expected to be completed in late 2010.
