State of the art in material declarations: compliance management and usability for eco-design

Substance bans, recycling quotas, green products are some topics which affect the supply chain of the electronics industry currently. Keys for compliance are material declarations. This paper gives an overview on harmonization and standardization efforts world wide. The International Material Data System IMDS is relevant for the automotive sector, but is also a benchmark for the whole electronics industry. EIA, EICTA, and JGPSSI jointly elaborate a materials declaration guideline. In parallel national industry associations develop declaration schemes, such as the Umbrella Specifications in Germany. Standardization activities comprise e.g. the German DIN 19220. Even more, some OEM developed own requirements for material declarations. The philosophy behind all these activities is explained, as well as contradictions. The range of declarations spans from 100% declarations to simple lead free markings. But even lead free marking is not that simple: different logos and approaches for lead free are under development to guarantee compliance with the European RoHS legislation. Material declarations are useful to fulfill customer requirements and to prove legal compliance, but could also be used for "eco-design". Material content of an electronic product is just one aspect for eco-design, but an important one. The paper describes how the different approaches for material declarations can support an eco-design policy and where they might hinder eco-design. Within the technical product design process early consideration of component compositions can add a new ecological perspective to the traditional design process, preparing for coming EU legislation on eco-design. An outlook is given of how to integrate environment-related material aspects within the design process.