energy climate change and the environment: Product stewardship

A proactive approach to legislation delivers environmental and economic benefits.

Design for environment (DfE)
Improving energy efficiency, avoiding hazardous substances and simplifying end-of-life treatment are priorities for Ericsson worldwide. During 2008 we widened our energy efficiency scope to include all products, in support of our global 10 percent CO2 reduction target for 2009.

We are proactively managing hazardous materials through our lists of banned and restricted substances, which also apply to suppliers. In 2006, lead-free soldering was introduced. By late 2008, the majority of boards for our high-volume products were lead-free.

During 2008, compliance with the EU REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances) was a key focus. It has been integrated into internal strategies and guidelines, ensuring cost effective compliance.

Common baselines facilitate sustainable customer choices. Ericsson actively supports harmonization of energy efficiency measurements and material data management through well established standardization bodies.

	In 2007, Ericsson Power modules won the Prestigious 2007 Elektra Award in the category Clean Design.
	Ericsson also won an award for energy-efficiency innovation from the China center of information Development (CCID)

Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE)
Ericsson recycles over 90 percent of decommissioned equipment, exceeding the Directive stipulation of 75 percent. Of this, five percent is re-used as components. Remaining plastics are largely utilized as fuel, while metals are sold. The non-recycled 10 percent is clean and can be used as building material. We expect further progress in 2009.

WEEE collection is coordinated globally through our Ecology Management Control Tower  – a key factor in our success to date. During 2009, Ecology Management will incorporate battery and packaging collection and treatment, which are currently managed separately.

In 2008, Ericsson received 435 requests for WEEE collection, amounting to an estimated 12,357 tons. Of this amount, 1,766 tons were fully waste treated by the waste treatment facilities in 2008. The remaining 10,591 tons will be treated in early 2009 as only large batches are treated at a time for environmental reasons and economies of scale. To meet our environmental criteria and ensure exclusion from the gray market, all African waste for example, is firstly shipped to South Africa where the electrical and electronic waste is separated before being shipped to Singapore for final waste processing.

Working with a number of contracted recyclers, Ericsson is establishing baseline figures for carbon emissions and savings throughout the WEEE treatment process. Possibilities for energy and cost reductions will be identified, with the ultimate aim of cost-neutral WEEE management.