PROD 3: Environmental Legislation and Regulation

> voluntary scheme est. 1993

> manufacturers are encouraged to label products that have a reduced impact on the environment over thier life cycle

> introduced in 1994 and amended in 2004

> sets targets for the reduction of packaging waste by means of designing out waste in the initial package design, recycling and reuse

sets limits for the amount of toxic metals used in packaging

> introduced in 1996

> all electrical appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines are labelled with a rating from A to G to indicate their energy use for consumers to refer to when making a purchase

> aims to phase out inefficient appliances

> introduced 2003

> to encourage the reuse and recycling of waste from vehicles when they reach their end of life

> restricts the use of toxic metal in new cars

> requires manufacturers to label plastic parts to aid recycling

> manufacturers also have to publish information on how to dismantle the vehicles

> Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive

> implemented in 2006

> encourages manufacturers to develop electrical and electronic products that can be dismantled and the parts reused or recycled

> manufacturers have to include instructions to consumers not to discard the old product but to take them to a WEEE collection point

> requires manufacturers to arrange collection of WEEE

> introduced in 2006

> bans the use of some hazardous materials and chemicals such as lead, mercury and cadmium in electrical and electronic equipment

> to safeguard human health when electrical equipment is disposed of and recycled