Publication

Advancing Supply Chain Transparency for Chemicals in Consumer Products

Case study: Electronics

Description

This case study discusses advancing supply chain transparency for chemicals in the electronics sector, focusing on best practices and regulatory considerations. The North American electronics sector is a significant part of the manufacturing industry, employing over a million people. Over 500 chemicals are used in electronics, with around 1,000 found in e-waste. Hazardous substances include heavy metals, flame retardants, phthalates, and solvents. The case study discusses drivers of and barriers to the implementation of practices that foster the disclosure of chemical content in these everyday products, and lays out examples of leading governmental or industry initiatives to promote their implementation.