Greenpeace protests over Philips’ e-waste policy

Activists argue that electronics companies should bear the financial responsibility for end-of-life disposal

Activists from environmental pressure group Greenpeace yesterday climbed the walls of an Amsterdam hotel where Dutch electronics giant Philips was hosting its annual shareholder meeting, in a protest against the company’s position on waste.

Three activists scaled the Okura Hotel to display a banner reading, " Philips: Simply take-back & recycle."

A Greenpeace spokesperson said that Philips is failing to act responsibly by not setting up "take-back" schemes to deal with its used products, adding to e-waste dumping in the developing world.

"Philips needs to take financial responsibility for its own end-of-life products and not put the burden on consumers, government or other producers," said Martin Hojsik, Greenpeace International toxics campaigner.

Greenpeace argues that electronics companies should bear the disposal costs created by their products, thus establishing a financial incentive to abandon toxic materials and make electronic goods more recyclable.

However, Philips chief executive Gerard Kleisterlee told the shareholders meeting that part of the responsibility for disposal should be borne by consumers and governments.

Greenpeace pointed to other electronics producers, including Samsung, Toshiba, Dell and Lenovo, which it claimed are taking more responsibility for their products by setting up voluntary take-back schemes.

"It is outrageous that a leading Dutch company is failing to take full responsibility for its products globally when its Asian and American competitors already have," added Kim Schoppink, Greenpeace Netherlands toxics campaigner.