Excellent product stewardship and sustainable use of plastics additives in the electronics industry

Plastics are used in numerous electrical and electronic products that help make our lives easier and more productive. Plastics provide a balance of performance characteristics that no other class of materials can match. They play an integral part in weight reduction and part miniaturization. Many different types of additives are used in plastics to improve property performance, aid in processing, or achieve various end use characteristics. Examples of plastic additive classes include plasticizers, fillers, flame retardants, antioxidants, and UV stabilizers. While these materials serve a valuable purpose in electronic equipment, it is important to exercise good product stewardship to minimize impact to the environment or humans and to assure sustainability. A product stewardship initiative called the Voluntary Emissions Control Action Program (VECAPtrade) has been launched as part of Industry´s commitment to responsible handling of plastic additives. The responsible management of health, safety, and environmental aspects of plastics additives throughout the life cycle are addressed through the VECAP Code of Good Practices. The principles utilized within VECAP were developed to address emissions of plastic additives but are applicable to any chemical solid or liquid. The program was introduced around 2004 in the UK to address flame retardants, with Industry taking steps to ensure emission reductions and overall product sustainability. Program participants that commit to applying the VECAP pro-active product stewardship practices, help to ensure that the safe and environmentally responsible use of flame retardants can continue. This paper addresses the details and progress of VECAP and potential benefits to the plastics and electronics industry.