The IT industry has long grappled with the risks posed by hazardous substances, which pose threats to human health and the environment. Improper use of toxic materials during manufacturing processes and the lack of responsible recycling practices have led to the release of dioxins, halogens, and other harmful substances into the natural environment. Since a very low percentage of substances have been studied and hazard-assessed, only banning a few substances that have been proven to be harmful is not enough. Substances should instead always be considered hazardous until proven safer before they are used.
Addressing this critical issue, TCO Certified, the leading sustainability certification for IT products, has introduced the ground-breaking TCO Certified Accepted Substance List, which aims to promote transparency and the use of safer substances in the IT industry. The TCO Certified Accepted Substance List provides a comprehensive catalogue of substances that have been thoroughly tested and confirmed to be safer alternatives. By making this list publicly available, TCO Certified aims to drive chemical safety across the IT industry and society as a whole.
Stephen Fuller, an expert on hazardous substances at TCO Development, the organisation behind TCO Certified, emphasised the need for more extensive regulation and a shift toward safer alternatives. While certain hazardous substances have been phased out through legislation, insufficient knowledge exists about the substances used to replace them, leading to a regulatory gap. The TCO Certified Accepted Substance List offers numerous sustainability benefits, including enhanced transparency, closing data gaps, and facilitating the transition to safer alternatives.
In a recent update, TCO Certified added six new substances, all process chemicals, to its Accepted Substance List. These substances include n-Butanol (71-36-3), Butanone (78-93-3), Ammonium hydroxide (1336-21-6), CYBERSOLV (C8882 and C8622), and Vital (GW9066). The complete list of accepted substances is accessible to the public, underscoring TCO Certified’s commitment to fostering chemical safety
TCO Certified has been incorporating criteria to limit the use of hazardous substances since 1995. Only plasticisers and flame retardants listed in the TCO Certified Accepted Substance List are permitted in certified products. Moreover, the list continues to expand to include additional substances that are identified as safer alternatives for both human health and the environment. In 2021, the system was extended to cover cleaner and degreaser substances used in the manufacturing processes, further enhancing the scope of the initiative.
With its Accepted Substance List, TCO Certified is driving the IT industry toward a safer and more sustainable future. By prioritising transparency and promoting the use of proven safer substances, TCO Certified is making significant strides in minimising the risks associated with hazardous materials. As the industry continues to evolve, TCO Certified remains committed to expanding its list of accepted substances, ultimately facilitating the adoption of safer practices across the IT sector.
The full list with all safer substances is available here
