Intel and iNEMI Announce Symposium on Global ICT Environmental Initiatives

HERNDON, VIRGINIA (July 17, 2009) — iNEMI (International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative), in partnership with Intel Corporation, will hold a symposium in Europe this fall on global ICT (information and communication technology) environmental initiatives.  The two-day meeting is scheduled for 27-28 October in Brussels, Belgium.

This symposium will address ongoing issues related to “low-halogen” electronics, as defined by the elimination of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), chlorinated flame retardants (CFRs) and PVC from electronic products (BFRs/CFRs/PVC below 900ppm).  Discussions will include the impact these changes will have on the electronics manufacturing supply chain, including material availability, cost and reliability.  The agenda will also cover such topics as the lead-free transition, lifecycle assessment for ICT equipment, and carbon footprinting.

Sessions will provide a broad range of perspectives from leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), original design manufacturers (ODMs), electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers, substrate and PCB manufacturers, materials suppliers, government agencies and NGOs.  Speakers include representatives from Dell, Intel Corporation, Nan Ya Plastics, Tyco Electronics and the US EPA.

"Although there is currently no legislation that bans the use of halogenated flame retardants, we are seeing increased activity among some of the leading OEMs to eliminate HFRs from their products,” said Bob Pfahl, vice president of global operations for iNEMI.  “Certain halogens — which include brominated and chlorinated flame retardants as well as PVC — can produce toxic materials during combustion, and industry is looking for alternative materials to reduce the risk.  Any transition to ‘HFR-free’ or ‘low halogen’ will involve the entire supply chain and, without coordination and consensus regarding acceptable levels of halogen and timeframes for eliminating HFRs, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish the conversion.  iNEMI’s activities are focused on orchestrating a common approach to dealing with HFRs, and on ensuring that any solutions are based on sound science.  We hope this symposium will help the electronics industry converge on solutions and identify a strategy for implementation.”

"Environmental topics are at the forefront of the electronics industry and society at large,” said Mostafa Aghazadeh, Chandler assembly technology development director and TMG vice president for Intel Corporation.  “For the IT industry, both challenges and opportunities exist to address collectively.  Although as IT manufacturers we continue to focus on energy efficiency, elimination of materials of environmental concern and development of end-of-life solutions for our products, there is more we can do together to further reduce our environmental impact and identify applications of our products and technologies to solve some of the most pressing global environmental challenges.  We look forward to the symposium in order to initiate such dialogue and continue down the path toward sustainability."

Registration
Through 11 September, the registration fee is 400 USD  (~285€).  After 11 September, it will be 500 USD  (~355€).  The registration fee can be paid by credit card or wire transfer.  The symposium will be held at the Le Méridien Brussels (Carrefour de l'Europe 3, located across the street from Central Station).  Rooms are available for meeting participants at a special rate of 199€ per night for reservations made before 24 October.

About iNEMI
The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative’s mission is to identify and close technology gaps, which includes the development and integration of the electronics industry supply infrastructure.  This industry-led consortium is made up of more than 65 manufacturers, suppliers, industry associations and consortia, government agencies and universities.  iNEMI roadmaps the needs of the electronics industry, identifies gaps in the technology infrastructure, establishes implementation projects to eliminate these gaps (both business and technical), and stimulates standards activities to speed the introduction of new technologies.  The consortium also works with government agencies, universities and other funding agencies to set priorities for future industry needs and R&D initiatives.  iNEMI is based in Herndon, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.), with regional offices in Shanghai, China and Limerick, Ireland.  For additional information about iNEMI, visit http://www.inemi.org.

For further information

EUROPE:
Grace O’Malley, iNEMI
+353 87 9040 363
gomalley@inemi.org

US:
Cynthia Williams, iNEMI
+1 207-871-1260
cwilliams@inemi.org