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What is PVC/BFR free product? How is it beneficial to the customer?
The new Wipro GREENWARE Desktop is free from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and BFR (Brominated Flame Retardants). It means that the new desktop is completely free from all compounds of PVC and BFRs. By doing so, Wipro has managed to eliminate these deadly chemicals.
PVC is nothing but Polyvinyl Chloride and BFR is Brominated Flame Retardant - in essence they have Chlorine and Bromine chemicals which are Halogens. The other Halogens are Fluorine, Iodine and Astatine – these are not covered in the scope of elimination as per iNEMI (International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative). Halogenated materials will release corrosive and toxic gases if ignited in a fire. The toxic element can be potentially hazardous to persons and the corrosive element has the potential to damage electronics. In order to avoid the above toxic and corrosive effects, the product is designed to be free from these two elements - PVC and BFR.
The end-user and general public at large are put in a safer ambience and so is the environment.
Where PVC / BFR chemicals are present in computers?
In one or other way the above toxic elements are present in most of the computer sub-components – for example PVC is available in all interconnecting cables, sheathed wires and power cords. Similarly BFR is available in all electronic circuit boards, semi-conductor devices and plastic parts as an effective flame retardant.
How are PVC & BFR harmful?
PVC & BFR are very harmful, as these chemicals are known to release corrosive and toxic gases if ignited in a fire. These chemicals are known to create environmental problems as well as impact human health. When PVC is burned for disposal, its high chlorine content can contribute to the formation of highly toxic and persistent chlorinated dioxin. Likewise BFRs also have known for its toxic properties and are highly resistant to degradation in the environment and are bio-accumulative. Both the chemicals are known to have neuro-toxicity and are responsible for number of health problems including cancer and failure of nerve system.
What will happen to the product quality if these are removed?
This does not have any negative impact on the Quality of the desktop.
What is the acceptable level of presence for these chemicals?
All printed board and substrate laminates shall meet Br and Cl requirements for low halogen as defined in IEC 61249-2-21 and IPC-4101B.
- The maximum total halogens contained in the resin plus reinforcement matrix is 1500 ppm with maximum chlorine of 900 ppm and maximum bromine being 900 ppm.
- For components other than printed board and substrate laminates: Each plastic within the component contains < 1000 ppm (0.1%) of bromine [if the Br source is from BFRs] and < 1000 ppm (0.1%) of chlorine [if the Cl source is from CFRs or PVC or PVC copolymers].
Is there any certification for compliance to PVC / BFR free? Do we have somebody in India?
There are Qualifying labs (example: SGS, Intertek) which will also certify the components for compliance to PVC / BFR free. These labs also are present in India.
Which parts are PVC & BFR free? How much % green will the desktop now be?
All parts of the newly launched Wipro GREENWARE desktop are free from PVC and BFRs.
Generally, these chemicals are used in plastics and cables. It is difficult to quantify the percentage because all electronic products are mixture of hundred of chemicals and its compound. In the line with Wipro’s Chemicals policy and the precautionary principle, Wipro’s goal is to eliminate the use of all deadly chemicals from all products. Some of them are very hazardous and dangerous and some of them are still used as there are no safer alternatives. With the launch of this product, Wipro has managed to eliminate most dangerous chemicals and aims to eliminate the rest of the chemicals within a certain time frame. Earlier in 2006, Wipro had phased out other six deadly chemicals like lead Cadmium, Mercury, chromium and two kind of BFRs. Wipro’s R& D department has already identified the three new set of chemicals on priority basis. For more information, visit the website www.wiprogreentech.com
Will this GREENWARE desktop be 100% recyclable?
Yes, the Wipro GREENWARE desktop is 100% recyclable with no exposure to chemicals. Also the E waste management becomes more efficient.
What is the motivation factor to remove PVC / BFR - any regulations or guidelines in India?
Although there are no regulations or legal compulsion worldwide at the present stage, Wipro has volunteered and taken a leadership role in implementing this as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative towards Greener Electronics.
Are there extra costs involved in finding suitable alternates to PVC / BFRs?
Yes, there are a lot of developmental costs apart from the material costs.
Any design level limitation and considerations?
The most basic technical requirement for alternate materials is that they must perform their intended function, which includes, minimum design impact, meet or exceed product reliability requirements, meet or exceed current flammability rating. All these aspects of the alternate material are verified and validated according to IPC norms (Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits) for the defined criteria.
Why is creating a PVC free product so difficult? What were the challenges faced?
As PVC and BFR are widely used in electronics products for various reasons, it is very difficult to substitute these chemicals in the manufacturing process, due to reasons that vary from technical problems to lack of policy framework. The major component suppliers all over world are still struggling to find the right and suitable technology to produce alternatives of these chemicals. Wipro’s R&D team and suppliers have worked tirelessly to find the safer alternatives to substitute these chemicals. It took almost two years for Wipro to convince the suppliers to change the production process as the suppliers are not yet fully ready to comply with small orders as major industry is still using these dirty chemicals. The lack of a policy framework also plays a major hindrance to path of clean production.
How will Wipro showcase this achievement and create awareness to general public?
Wipro is constantly promoting and creating awareness among various stake holders and customers through campaigns and communication over internet. In the past we were the first Indian PC manufacturer to launch the RoHS compliant range of desktops and Laptops. Similarly Wipro will drive the promotion of PVC / BFR free products as a part of CSR initiative.
Is this kind of product already available in Indian Market?
Wipro is the First Indian PC manufacturer to launch a PVC/BFR free desktop product in the Indian market. Although few international brands have released PVC/BFR products very recently in their native countries, their product availability in Indian market is less significant.
Is there any upgrade system for replacing with PVC / BFR free product?
There is no upgrade possible in the existing product. A new GREENWARE desktop needs to ordered and taken as each and every component goes through a different manufacturing process
When will be the General Availability? Any specific lead time?
We are happy to launch this First PVC / BFR free Desktop product in India and this marks milestone in the Environmental Initiatives of Indian Industries. The Wipro GREENWARE Desktop model can be made available on demand with a minimum lead time of 6 to 8 weeks.
Traditionally PVC and BFRs present in electronics to inhibit certain properties - how is this taken care now?
Mechanical (stiffness, pad cratering, etc.) and Electrical (Permitivity, High speed signal integrity, etc.) properties at the PCB level are addressed by adherence to the IPC norms.
Is it limited to only desktops or is it extended to notebooks also? What is the timeline of implementation?
We are currently introducing a PVC & BFR Free Wipro GREENWARE desktop at this time, and as part of our continuous sustainability Program other Products will also get covered.
Do you have any local sources to service with PVC / BFR free complying components?
At the moment we deal with overseas manufacturers for supply of PVC / BFR free components – we have plans of developing local suppliers also as and when they are ready.
Who was the first to launch PVC / BFR free computers?
To the best of our knowledge, Apple is the first to launch followed by HP, Acer, etc. In India, we are proud to be the first to launch.
What is next in line to removal of PVC / BFR from products?
Yes we have a charter as per our Chemical management Policy which will be complied with as per defined timelines.
Will there be an impact on serviceability / repair ability?
Since the alternates to PVC and BFRs are in compliance to IPC norms, we do not foresee any impact on serviceability / reparability.
When awareness is very low - how do you penetrate and create the demand - any awareness camps planned?
Wipro is constantly promoting and creating awareness among various stake holders and customers through campaigns and communication over internet. Wipro will drive the promotion of PVC / BFR free products.
Who are the interested parties as of now?
Everyone – for example: producers, consumers, government nodal points and society for environment at large.
How does Wipro manage its e-waste?
Wipro has e-waste policy based on the principle of Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR). Wipro takes full and final responsibility of its end-of-life products and recycle it through authorized recycler. Wipro has tied-up with Attero recycling facility which is India’s first integrated end to end recycling facility.
How much less e-waste will this new product create, is there any measure?
PVC and BFRs free products will not reduce the volume of E-waste as per se, however it will certainly protect the environment and workers who are either involved in production and recycling industry. |
