Is Europe ready to go lead free? [electronic products]

Legislation that will require lead to be eliminated from a host of electronic products across the EU is just three years away. The author looks at how well prepared industry is for this change. The EU´s key initiative when it comes to tackling the mountain of waste electronic products is the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, which aims to increase the collection rates of most types of equipment to around 4-6 kg per person per year. The regulations cover a range of mainly consumer, household, IT and telecom equipment, and will also dictate how waste is treated once it has been collected. The options available for lead free solder are briefly outlined. A roadmap for Europe´s electronics industry in the area of lead-free solders is then outlined.