Acer not only supports the concept of resource recycling, but also actively strives to use post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) in our products. At the same time, with regard to the materials that are most likely to create problems of pollution or occupational safety in the recycling process, we work with plastics manufacturers and upstream recyclers to conform to international standards of quality, environmental safety, and occupational health and safety, and responsible recycling (R2), earning international export licenses and recycling service provision qualifications from local governments.
When deciding on machinery and proportion of PCR during the planning of products, we are careful in our selection of plastics suppliers; for new products using PCR, we strive to stay as close as possible to the physical properties of our materials during formulation; in the design process, we focus on improving strength and reliability, and in product testing, we have added stronger tests of strength, reliability, and lifespan to ensure product quality. This means that users can not only enjoy products made of quality recycled plastics, but also join Acer in supporting the use of reused or recycled materials. In addition, we also attach great importance to the issue of marine plastic pollution. In 2021, over 15 million units, 16% core products using PCRs, strengthening our implementation of the concept of circular economy. And we introduced OceanGlass touchpads made of offshore recycled plastics in the Chrome and Swift series of products.
In order to comply with regulatory requirements and customer standards, Acer integrates environmental and safety-related standards into the product R&D stage, and through rigorous review processes, ensures that the production processes of suppliers are also in line with environmental and safety requirements. And to help users fully understand the safe use of Acer products and how to properly recycle them, Acer includes explanations in product manuals and provides them for download on the Company ‘official website.
To protect the health and safety of users and reduce potential environmental risks, Acer strives for prudence in its management of chemicals in raw materials. In addition to adhering to regulatory restrictions on the use of chemical substances, we also proactively work to meet the needs and demands of each regional market, including those environmental certifications that focus on the limited use and traceability of listed substances, e.g. Taiwan' Green Mark, China Environmental Labeling, the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), and TCO Certification.
