NEC and TCO Certified Announce Halogen-Free Computer Display

- Landmark Development in the Green Design of Electronics

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 13 /CNW/ - In a major advancement for green technology, the TCO Certified eco-label for electronics, together with display industry leader NEC, today announced the NEC MultiSync(R) EA222Wme wide computer monitor as the first to receive the TCO Certified Edge award for groundbreaking achievements in environmental design. The award is presented in recognition of NEC's achievement in eliminating halogens, a proven hazard to human health and the environment.

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Since 1995 the worldwide TCO certification has been dedicated to reducing and eliminating the use of halogens and other hazardous substances in electronics.

"The fact that we are now able to announce a product that has eliminated the halogens chlorine and bromine completely is a huge step in creating greater sustainability in the design of PC products - which is the main objective of the TCO Certified program. By working closely with industry and other stakeholders, we now see the result of many years effort to find alternative materials that are less hazardous to the earth and human health, while still retaining the fire safety assurance that users demand. This is exactly what the TCO Certified program is designed to do and we applaud NEC on its efforts to reach this landmark", says Soren Enholm, CEO TCO Development.

"NEC's Green Vision philosophy aligns very well with the TCO certification program with tough requirements that the product should offer both high performance and minimal impact on the environment. We are very proud to be the first display vendor with a TCO Certified Edge designation for a monitor free from halogen, and it is a significant proof that our innovations for greener IT products are at the cutting edge", says Clemens von Braunmuehl, Manager Product Management EMEA, NEC Display Solutions Europe GmbH.

Halogenated substances have been used as an inexpensive and simple fire retardant in electronics, textiles and other everyday products for many years. They are also commonly used as a "plasticizer" in many products, giving the product a softer, pliable character. The environmental and health problems with halogens lie in their stability and persistence. They don't degrade when disposed of but are actually shown to remain in plants, animals and humans, for example in fat and breast milk. It has also been shown to adversely affect hormonal function, potentially causing fertility problems.

TCO Certified is a third party certification for high performance ICT products that are also designed for minimal environmental impact. Since 1992 the TCO certification program has had a significant influence on improved image quality and ergonomics for displays, as well as the reduction of electromagnetic emissions from ICT products. Energy efficiency and reduced usage of hazardous substances are also key aspects of the TCO Certification. Products covered by the TCO certification program are notebook, desktops and all in one PCs, computer displays, phone headsets and projectors. TCO Certified makes it easy to choose technology designed for both high usability and the environment. TCO Development, the company behind TCO Certified, is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with regional presence in Asia and North America. For more information see http://www.tcodevelopment.com.

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For further information: Soren Enholm, CEO, TCO Development, Phone [phone], E-mail: [email protected]; Emma Sjogren, Environmental Specialist, TCO Development, Phone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]