|
Wipro's Chemical Precautionary Policy is focused on continually identifying the
chemicals in components based on OSPAR list of chemicals. Wipro has identified the
priority list of chemicals and at present, the chemical management team is working
on a programme to eliminate all forms of Phthalates, Beryllium and Antimony. Polyvinyl
Chloride (PVC) and Brominated Flame Retardants have been eliminated from New Wipro
Greenware line of desktop launched in 2010. Following the launch of PVC/BFR free
Desktop in 2010 , significant focus has been made to bring more models which exclude
PVC and BFR toxic content . There in increase in the share of PVC and BFR free product
release moving up to 37%. Further Wipro is planning to remove PVC/BFR from the rest
of the product SKUs in a phased manner in FY 2011. Going beyond these identified
chemicals, Wipro also works hand-in-hand with its stake holders in identifying the
usage of any other chemicals which may have significant impact on the environment.
Wipro has set-up its Chemical Management team comprising product engineering to
assess each and every chemical and its compound. Although the production process
is largely driven by suppliers and other stockholders, this team works very closely
with their original design manufacturers to determine the usage of chemicals and
its impact on environment and human health. Based on this fulfillment from suppliers
we proceed with the use of such chemicals.
Methodology and Regulation
Wipro has stringent precautionary principle and therefore take utmost care and precaution
before it decides to use new chemicals. Wipro has identified OSPAR list of chemicals
on priority list for phasing out from the product. However, Wipro continuously monitor
the other national and international treaties, conventions and any other direction
for its chemical use policy. Some of these are following:
National policy such as Environment Protection Act (EPA), Hazardous waste Rules,
Directive from Electronics Departments, ISI and ISO certification, Direction from
local government related to IT industry.
Wipro also considers the International Treaties, convention and direction which
regulate the Electronics Industry. Some of the legislation and directive such as
REACH and RoHS are already part of serious consideration for future phase out.
Wipro also considers the concern raised by member of public or any publication about
impact of chemicals. We always strive to restrain the use of such chemicals in our
products.
Wipro does communicate and direct its vendors about the result and evaluation of
by their engineering team on chemical management. Wipro also works with various
government agencies to upgrade and qualify the existing set of Rules and Regulation
to ensure the delivery of safe products.
Wipro works closely with its partners and stake holders in identifying and eliminating
not only the chemicals rated toxic and hazardous but goes one step beyond to identify
chemicals that may pose a threat in the future to the safety of its employees and
the environment at large. Currently the below table enlists the identified chemicals
and phase-out plans:
|
|
S. No.
|
Permissible Quantity (PPM)
|
Permissible Quantity (PPM)
|
Wipro Strategy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Polychlorobiphenyls (PCB)
|
1000
|
Banned
|
|
2
|
Refractory Ceramic Fibers
|
Restricted
|
Banned
|
|
3
|
Asbestos and its compounds
|
Restricted
|
Banned
|
|
4
|
Azo dyes/colorants
|
100
|
Banned
|
|
5
|
Ozone depleting substances
(Class I & Class II CFCs and HCFCs)
|
Restricted
|
Banned
|
|
6
|
Nickel and its components
|
1000
|
Banned
|
|
7
|
Mineral Wool
|
Restricted
|
Banned
|
|
8
|
Lead and its compounds
|
1000
|
Aligned to ROHS EU norms 2006
|
|
9
|
Cadmium
|
100
|
Aligned to ROHS EU norms 2006
|
|
10
|
Chromium IV
|
1000
|
Aligned to ROHS EU norms 2006
|
|
11
|
Mercury
|
1000
|
Aligned to ROHS EU norms 2006
|
|
12
|
Polybrominated Biphenyl (PBB)
|
1000
|
Aligned to ROHS EU norms 2006
|
|
13
|
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE)
|
1000
|
Aligned to ROHS EU norms 2006
|
|
14
|
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
|
Restricted
|
Eliminated *
|
|
15
|
Brominated Flame Retardants
|
Restricted
|
Eliminated *
|
|
16
|
Phthalates
|
1000
|
Elimination by FY 2012
|
|
17
|
Short chain Chloro Paraffin, Alkanes
|
1000
|
Control within Limits
|
|
18
|
Antimony and its compounds
|
1000
|
Elimination by FY 2012
|
|
19
|
Beryllium and its compounds
|
1000
|
Elimination by FY 2012
|
|
20
|
Cadmium Oxide
|
1000
|
Control within Limits
|
|
21
|
Octabromo diphenyl ether (OBDE)
|
1000
|
In scrutiny
|
|
|
|
|
