Improving information flow on chemicals in electronic products and E-waste to minimize negative consequences for health and the environment

Rapid advancements in technology are leading to the obsolescence of electronics and a global demand for new products at an increasing rate. As a result, increasing quantities of electronic products and electronic waste are created each year, creating challenges for health and the environment throughout the global product chain for electronics. This paper discusses findings from the United Nations Environment Program’s “Chemicals in Products” electronics case study, with a focus on a specific goal of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) to ensure that information on chemicals is available, accessible, user friendly, adequate and appropriate to the needs of all stakeholders throughout the product chain. We use our case study findings plus recent insights and examples from the literature and businesses to offer recommendations for improving both the flow of chemical-related information in electronics product chains and sustainability in e-waste management. To identify the needs, gaps, obstacles, and solutions related to providing and accessing information on chemicals throughout electronic products’ life cycles, we interviewed 28 stakeholders at various points in the product chain. The interviews revealed a critical need for a global standard for chemical-related information sharing in the product chain as well as accessible platforms for effective communication and bi-directional sharing of that information by all stakeholders. Adequate flow and transparency of chemicals-related information was found to be important to reducing companies’ costs and business risks and also to protecting consumers and workers in electronic products’ production and end-of-life phases. In addition, the findings indicated a need to raise awareness about the chemicals present in products, along with their associated hazards, in order to improve risk management and handling of electronics and e-waste. In cases where improved information alone would not likely improve health or environmental outcomes, such as in e-waste management, we discuss additional steps to improve the situation, such as new business models for recycling and waste management. Knowledge about which chemicals are used in electronics, as well as information on how they are used, handled, and recycled or disposed of, will help authorities create meaningful regulations that minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment. Improved bi-directional flow of chemical-related information in the electronics product chain will also help product developers better understand how to design products that result in fewer negative consequences for health and the environment.