Tags: Anna-Karin Jönbrink, Ecocomputer, EU-directive, legislation, monitors, save energy, Swerea
-A new EU-directive will likely drive the market to lower the use of energy for computers and displays. After January 7, 2010 computers will be required to use less energy than today, says Anna-Karin Jönbrink, from Swerea the EU expert on computers and monitors and their environmental performance. If the computer manufacturer manages to meet the legislation it will be possible to save up to 30 percent of the energy used today. These savings will add up, as there are about 300 million computers and displays in Europe. Two important ways to lower the energy use for computers are a) changing our usage patterns so that we all switch off the computer when not in use. And b) increase the efficiency of the computer itself, for example by choosing a power supply unit with higher efficiency. Other important energy savers are for example LED in displays (light emitting diodes), a technology already in place in many displays. You can find more about this at ecocomputer.
Tags: China, legislation, Packagning, waste
We have a worldwide problem with littering. But it looks like there might be some good news coming up ahead. China – the world’s largest packaging producing market, is taking steps to do something about it.
China is preparing to issue a new packaging legislation which takes a life-cycle cradle-to-cradle approach. The suggested legislation will not only ban packaging which is neither reusable, recyclable nor biodegradable, it will also ban PVC and the use of certain materials, ink and dye solvents. The new legislation will also require postconsumer household waste sorting, establish waste collection systems, and the nationwide construction of Eco-Zones, Special Industrial Zones for recycling and reprocessing plants. To be imposed nationwide this packaging legislation is more comprehensive than that of the EU, Germany and Japan. They also plan on stiff penalties for those who do not comply.
As China is the world’s largest packaging producing market and the packaging sector in China is growing by 36% annually, let us all hope it goes as planned. The implications for all players in the Global Packaging Supply Chain are tremendous.
