Guide to Green Electronics - Slide 11

Dell increases its score to 4.9 from 4.3, maintaining its position in 10th place, gaining points on both the chemicals and the e-waste criteria. However, Dell continues to be hampered by the penalty point imposed for backtracking on its commitment to eliminate PVC vinyl plastic and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in all its products by the end of 2009.

Dell now scores full marks for demonstrating proactive advocacy in its support for restrictions on PVC and BFRs in the revised EU RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electronics). Dell’s first completely PVC and BFR-free products on the market are the G-Series Monitors, although PVC and BFR-free cables are currently available only in North America, Japan, Europe/Middle East and Africa. In total, it has 35 PVC/BFR reduced or PVC/BFR-free products, including laptops and a desktop. Dell has also released a BFR/PVC-free mobile phone, the Mini 3i, which is sold only in China. However, its current commitment to eliminate PVC and BFRs by the end of 2011 is limited to computing products.