Lead-Free Zone Blog

GreenSoft releases REACH application

GreenSoft Technology Inc. of South Pasadena, Calif. has released GreenData Manager – REACH, a desktop application designed to manage and analyze green compliance data and documents. GDM-REACH was created to help users track and report on the presence of substances of very high concern (SVHC) as defined by the European Union’s REACH law.

GreenSoft notes that GDM-REACH supports REACH compliance in these areas.

• Perform comprehensive analysis on any REACH-related substances in individual parts or products/BOMs
• Roll-up substance weight or ppm on assemblies and products
• Report the compliance status on all parts or products for REACH, SVHC, EU RoHS, China RoHS, Norway PoHS and Halogen-Free
• Determine the status of the collection of required data and documents
• Create an audit trail for regulatory agencies and customers
• Generate REACH SVHC compliance and substance analysis reports
• Use the built-in substance library (currently containing over 11,000 REACH substances) and add new substances
• Receive automated updates of changes to regulations and substance lists

Synapsis software tracks REACH

The EMARS environmental compliance software from Synapsis Technology Inc. of Spring House, Pa. now tracks the European Union’s recently published “Candidate List” of 15 substances of very high concern (SVHC), which is part of REACH.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published the list of 15 SVHC on October 28. The list includes substances with “intrinsic hazardous properties” such as carcinogens, mutagens and substances that are toxic to reproduction. The ECHA indicated it is already in the process of adding more substances to the list – which is expected to grow to more than 1,000 substances.

To ensure compliance with REACH, manufacturers need to track and report the presence of SVHC in their products. The EMARS tool for complying with REACH SVHC is designed to help manufacturers manage their compliance.

Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba launch recycling initiative

Panasonic Corp. of North America, Sharp Electronics Corp. and Toshiba America Consumer Products have joined together in creating a national recycling infrastructure that manufacturers can use to provide convenient recycling for their customers. The companies will use the Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company (MRM) to run the recycling initiative. MRM is a recycling joint venture owned by Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba.

With the support of its three owners, MRM will expand it operations beyond its current compliance management activities in Minnesota and Texas where MRM currently manages recycling services for 25 individual electronics manufacturers. The first phase of the MRM nationwide ramp-up will begin this month as it adds states such as California, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The company will continue to expand until it covers all 50 states.