ECP integration into the supply chain: an IBM perspective

IBM's environmentally conscious products (ECP) program was established in 1991 as a proactive and strategic approach to worldwide environmental management of products for the corporation. The ECP program includes IBM's design for environment (DFE) initiatives, through which IBM designs products to address different environmental attributes. An increasing number of products, parts, and higher level assemblies are being procured from external suppliers, thus the need to extend IBM's ECP activities into the supply chain has become apparent. The growth of outsourcing activities, coupled with increasing requests for product information from customers related to the identification of specific product DFE attributes, material contents, and end-of-life recycling considerations, further increases the need for effective communications and efficient exchange of environmental information. This paper discusses the progress and challenges associated with IBM's efforts in integrating ECP and DFE requirements into the supply chain.