Environmental group Greenpeace released Tuesday a ranking of 14 electronics manufacturers by their recycling and toxic content policies.
Chinese manufacturer Lenovo took the top spot, after placing last in August 2006. Nokia, which had been in first place since the launch of the rankings, slipped to second. Sony Ericsson followed in third, with Dell in fourth and Samsung fifth.
Lenovo, which purchased IBM’s consumer electronics division in 2005, received top honors for offering takeback and recycling in all the countries that sell its products. The company also reports the amount of e-waste it recycles as a percentage of its sales.
“Given the growing mountains of e-waste in China - both imported and domestically generated - it is heartening to see a Chinese company taking the lead and assuming responsibility at least for its own branded waste,” said Iza Kruszewska, Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner. “The challenege for the industry now is to see who will actually place greener products on the market.”
Last place went to Apple Inc., which Greenpeace said had made no progress since the ranking launch in August 2006.
“We expect companies to have consistent global policies and treat all their customers equally,” said Kruszewska. “With this edition of the Guide, we’re seeing some companies move beyond statements of principle and towards real action, with the roll-out of voluntary take-back programs and detailed information being provided to the customers. But companies have to stay on the ball and progress in step with the market.”