Greenpeace protested outside the offices of Dell yesterday in Bangalore, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, as Dell execs consider ways of cleaning up the company’s products.
Greenpeace is concerned that Dell still uses PVC and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in all its PCs – “despite promising to eliminate these toxic substances,” it says.
“The giant PC maker committed publicly to be off these chemicals by the end of 2009. Well, the deadline has passed and anyone buying a Dell computer will be sadly disappointed by what is in the box.”
Dell now promises to phase out PVC and BFRs by the end of next year. Greenpeace says it is determined to make sure that the company keeps to its word, and wants to see detailed plans.
It also wants Dell to actively lobby for a ban on PVC and BFRs when the EU revises its Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electronics Directive.
In Amsterdam, protestors spread foam outside Dell’s offices, and in all three cities huge banners were unfurled.
Dell management was yesterday scheduled to meet at the company’s Texas headquarters and consider a roadmap towards eliminating PVC and BFRs.
