Journey from Environmental Compliance to Stewardship

The European Union RoHS and WEEE directives have sensitized the electronics industry on the challenges of compliance along with an increasing awareness on the effects of the electronic products on the environment. Similar upcoming regulations from US, China, Japan, Korea and other jurisdictions have highlighted the importance of a focused and dedicated effort and appropriate resources aimed at complying with environmental regulations in a timely manner, thereby minimizing disruptions of the normal course of business. In anticipation of and preparing for future environmental regulations, along with a heightened sensitivity toward the environmental challenges facing the planet, a program was launched at Palm to provide a structured approach for compliance - with efforts going above and beyond compliance - which eventually would lead to environmental stewardship. This paper will present the Palm approach and philosophy behind this effort, lessons learned, and a look at the company's future direction in the journey from environmental compliance to stewardship.