Wherever possible, we work to minimize or eliminate known hazardous substances from our products. As part of this commitment, our policies and operations frequently go beyond existing industry-related hazardous substances regulations and standards.
To make our commitment to reducing hazardous substances transparent to stakeholders, we publish and regularly update the Lumileds List of Regulated Substances. In addition to complying with the obligations of our policy, we require that all suppliers comply with it as a condition of doing business with Lumileds. The list is derived from stakeholder consultations, scientific evidence of hazards, and awareness of existing and possible future legislative requirements.
To improve the environmental profile of our products and protect customer health, Lumileds has several commitments that go above and beyond current regulations. For example:
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR)
Lumileds has set a goal to voluntarily phase out PVC and BFRs not covered by existing regulation from all consumer products by 2023. (See case study below to learn more.)
Phthalates
Lumileds prohibits the use of all phthalate-based plasticizers beyond the four phthalates restricted by EU law. Despite their common use, many phthalates-based plasticizers are known to have a wide variety of negative impacts on human health.
Azo dyes (pigments, colorants)
Lumileds restricts the presence of Azo dyes in all applications that can potentially come into contact with skin. Lumileds policy goes beyond the requirements of the European Union’s REACH regulations.
Chlorinated Flame Retardants
Lumileds does not use chlorinated flame retardants in any of our consumer products.
| 2020 GOALS (2015 BASELINE) | PROGRESS IN 2017 |
|---|---|
Replacement of PVC and BFRs from consumer products by 2023 | On Track |
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In 2017, 89 percent of Lumileds consumer products sold were free of BFRs and PVC. Our goal is to completely remove all PVC and BFRs from our consumer products by 2023. To support this process, we continuously identify, test, and implement alternative materials where applicable. However, in some cases, the use of PVC and non-regulated BFR is required due to regulatory, safety or technical requirements.
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) are categories of substances that reduce or inhibit the flammability of materials like plastics and textiles. Due to increasing concerns regarding the build-up of BFRs in the environment and growing evidence of their negative impact on human health, some BFRs are being phased-out by various regulations globally. Despite our legal ability to use many other BFRs, Lumileds is actively substituting all BFRs in new product development.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic polymer found in a broad range of products and applications. In 2017, over 40 million tons of PVC was produced worldwide due to its low production cost and favorable chemical attributes. However, a number of scientific opinions have increasingly questioned the effects from PVC on human health and the environment, particularly when incinerated nonprofessionally, as sometimes happens at landfills in developing countries. Using the precautionary principle, Lumileds has committed to voluntary phase-out PVC.