Recyclers extracting valuable material from e-waste need to know where hazardous chemicals can be found in the products they receive, as well as information on the content of valuable material. At end of life, improved information can contribute to increased as well as more environmentally sound recycling and more efficient extraction of valuable metals. It should be noted that often the awareness of environmental risks is low among recyclers. Accordingly, there is a need for awarenessraising on the chemicals present in products, associated hazards and risks, and the role recyclers might have in contributing to or addressing problems related to chemicals in products. Consumers in general assume that the products they purchase and use are safe for them as well as for the environment. Therefore, consumers in general might not feel an urgent need for CiP information. However, as their assumption that all products on the market are perfectly safe throughout the life cycle is incorrect, information increasing the awareness of hazards and risks from chemicals in products provides consumers with the opportunity to make informed choice on the products they buy. Additionally, such information gives other stakeholders, such as designers, companies in the supply chain and public purchasers, the ability to make informed choices about the products they purchase. In addition, a strong need has been expressed by upstream actors for information about where their products end up and how they are handled. Accordingly, improved information flow upstream through the product life cycle as to how products are used and handled at all stages must be promoted in order to help designers and formulators make informed decisions when designing, developing and improving products. With better information on exposure, the development of products with improved environmental performance is promoted, which contributes to less toxic material to handle in recycling and decreased release of toxics into the environment.
7.2 Gaps and obstacles in the flow of information on chemicals As described in this report, there are overarching, industry-wide systems developed to facilitate exchange of information. The companies interviewed in this study take part in such joint collaborations. There are also regional and national rules and policies that regulate the flow of information on chemicals in electronics. However, as many companies feel that these systems are not sufficient to meet their particular information needs, they often develop their own approach, complementing the joint industry systems and regulatory frameworks with internal systems for substance restrictions, information exchange, supply chain
Information on Chemicals in Electronic Products
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