Environmental impact of electronics improving

The consumer electronics industry is taking note of environmental issues, but must do more to improve its eco-credentials, according to a new study.

Released this week by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the report outlines what the industry has been doing to improve environmental sustainability, and offer suggestions for further improvements.

Independent research company, Technology Forecasters, conducted the study on behalf of the CEA.

The study found that energy consumption of consumer electronics (CE) has reduced by as much as a quarter in the last three to four years.

Furthermore, there has been continuous improvement in the energy efficiency of almost every product across the CE industry.

Seven of the world’s top ten CE makers have reduced the proportion of greenhouse gas emissions compared to revenue.

Sixty nine percent of the 64 companies surveyed for the report are actively recycling electronic products and components, whilst 38% reuse the products that they make.

Twenty of the companies surveyed have diverted 98% of unusable materials away from landfill, around 2 million tons of material.

In total, around 800,000 tons of electronic waste has been recycled.

Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the CEA, said the industry is proud of its accomplishments so far.

However, he added that there is still work to be done and that he looks forward to the day when the CE industry fully achieves its collective sustainability goals.