WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2098/97 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Commission. Electronic scrap
Date: 1997-06-19
Institutions: BREYER, European Parliament
Subjects: eco-label, electronics, environmental protection, information technology, innovation, international competition, metal waste, research and development, telecommunications, waste recycling

25. 2. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 60/95

(98/C 60/136)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2098/97

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission

(19 June 1997)

Subject: Electronic scrap

1.

Is the Commission encouraging innovation in product development? If so, how? If not, why not?

Does  the  Commission  take  the  view  that  innovation  in  product  development  confers  a  competitive

2.
advantage?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 1997)

The  information  technology,  telecommunications  and  consumer  electronics  industries  are  acknowledged  as
some of the fastest changing, highest spending research & development (R&D) and innovative industrial sectors.
Companies  face  the  constant  global  challenge  of  competition  and  public  pressure  on  issues  such  as  the
environment. Already products in their in-use and standby phases are available with improved performance such
as reduced power consumption. Increasingly products are being designed with end-of-life considerations built-in
(such as ease of disassembly, component and materials labelling, removal of hazardous substances). Companies
are  well  aware  of  the  need  for  constant  product  revision  to  respond  to  changing  public  authority  and  user
demands.  The  Commission  recognises  the  efforts  made  by  industry  towards  constantly  improving  product
performance (including environmental features) in a dynamic global market place. The Commission undertakes
to  keep  under  review  progress  made  by  industry  in  terms  of  the  environmental  friendliness  of  products  at
end-of-life.  Community  research  and  technological  development  (R&TD)  programmes  (in  particular  the
information  technology  programmes)  have  helped  support  the  development  of  better  tools  and  production
methods. Their use has been promoted through accompanying measures and best practice projects.

The Commission is currently preparing a communication on the competitiveness of recycling industries. This
communication  is  the  result  of  consultation  with  industry  and  analyses  the  key  factors  determining  the
competitive situation of industries involved in recycling. It also covers the electronic scrap issue. It recommends
a number of actions in order to develop recycling activities while promoting increased environmental protection.
A number of recommendations focus on the development of new markets for recycled materials and the need for
increased understanding of the life cycle of products. A particular emphasis is put on the promotion of innovation
in  recycling  industries,  the  need  for  increased  information  on  R&TD,  and  diffusion  of  best  practices.  The
development  of  quality  strategies  and  training  among  recycling  companies  is  necessary.  The  obstacles  that
complex  products  (such  as  electronic  equipment)  face  in  terms  of  recycling  are  covered  with  a  reference  to
improved design for recycling. The need for standards is highlighted, and the potential discrimination against
recycled  products  embedded  in  existing  standards  is  recognised.  The  communication  also  recommends  the
creation of a recycling forum which will gather the main actors in the field of recycling in order to discuss the
various future options. This forum should start at the end of 1997 and last for a period of 12 months. The need for
a  European  recycling  centre  which  could  deal  with  issues  such  as  technological  watch,  the  diffusion  of  best
practices and the promotion of innovation is mentioned and will be discussed in the forum.

The Commission is currently carrying out a study in order to propose eco-label ecological criteria for the product
group  (cid:145)personal  computers(cid:146).  This  initiative  will  allow,  within  the  framework  of  the  Community  eco-label
scheme, the possibility of certifying the environment-driven innovation of the computer industry.

(98/C 60/137)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2099/97

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission

(19 June 1997)

Subject: Electronic scrap

1.

In which Member States are there rules governing electronic scrap?

2. What does the Commission intend to do in view of the increasing arisings of electronic scrap?