Green Product Management

Technology Assessment Results

Results of research and studies have revealed that plastic materials in mechanical components and modules, printed circuit boards and wiring currently used in Acer products contain the majority of PVC and BFRs. A detailed explanation is provided below:

Plastics Machine Components and Modules (such as casing and internal components)
Adding BFRs to plastic materials is a common practice done for the purpose of fortifying these materials with fire retardant and heat resistant qualities. Although mechanical components and modules in electronic products do not directly influence product system functions, they do play a vital role in the product's aesthetic appearance, durability and heat conductance. Some alternative materials are becoming acceptable for the development of new products. The major alternatives for enclosures are HIPS, ABS and PC/ABS with phosphorous flame retardants (TPP, RDP or BDP). For mechanical plastics (connectors and fans), there are PA, PE, PC and PBT alternatives with phosphorus-, mineral- and nitrogen-based flame retardants.

Printed Wire Boards (PWBs)
Although BFRs are commonly added to improve flame retardant properties of PWBs, the industry has moved towards the use of phosphorus-, mineral- and nitrogen-based alternatives to reduce environmental impact. However, these alternative flame retardants have also raised concerns over possible signal integrity problems of the PWB assembly. The iNEMI has created a prioritized program called iNEMI Halogen Free Signal Integrity WG to alleviate the effects of this problem

Wiring
Various kinds of wiring is used in electronics products to provide fire retardation, heat resistance, softness, malleability and other optimal engineering qualities. PVC is commonly used but phthalate esters and other hazardous substances are often added to meet manufacturing demands. Since the substitution of this material directly influences fire safety and reliability, more time is needed to conduct safety, stability and reliability tests. Some TPE/TPU cables have been developed with phosphorus-, mineral- and nitrogen-based flame retardants. Since every country requests different safety requirements, many applications for certification are necessary. Some applications for certification have already been approved.