Leading IT infrastructure distributor Axiz has completed its transition to lead-free manufacturing.
Keith Anderson, chief operating officer at Axiz, says there is a growing trend toward lead-free manufacturing worldwide and despite the lack of a local directive, Axiz has already completed the transition.
"We believe that all manufacturers should make environmental considerations part of their business plan," says Anderson.
"The transition to lead-free compliant components is an enormous undertaking and an important part of the supply chain. Axiz is environmentally responsible and has chosen to invest in a lead-free environment now even though it is not a prerequisite in South Africa."
According to Vikesh Mahabeer, product manager, Axiz Memory, the problem facing manufacturers today is that there are small amounts of lead (Pb) and other harmful materials in many electronic components. As these products reach their end-of-life and are disposed of, environmental and regulatory concerns rise due to the potential impact these materials may have on human health.
"The lead-free initiative set up by Axiz is aimed at eliminating the use of these hazardous materials, resulting in improved recycling, disposal and safety," says Mahabeer.
Axiz has fully complied with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. Adopted in February 2003 by the European Union, this directive took effect on 1 July 2006, but is not a law; it is simply a directive. Anderson says it restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment. It is closely linked with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE), which sets collection, recycling and recovery targets for electrical goods.
Anderson says Axiz is not only well placed to grow its local market, of which it is already a leader, but can also export components to Europe and other lead-free compliant markets. "Our 17-year legacy as a memory manufacturer has ensured that we understand this market very well. You can't put a value to the intellectual property of our team. We see ourselves as the 'memory people'."
The timing of Axiz's lead-free transition is not random. In light of the recent Stern Report, which is a comprehensive review on the economics of climate change, Anderson says Axiz's move is an example of what other manufacturers can do to have a positive impact on the environment now and into the future.
He says that thankfully the conclusion of The Stern Report is essentially optimistic. According to economist Sir Nicholas Stern, there is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if people act now and act internationally. He says governments, businesses and individuals all need to work together to respond to the challenge.
"Strong, deliberate policy choices by governments are essential to motivate change. But the task is urgent. Delaying action, even by a decade or two, will take us into dangerous territory. We must not let this window of opportunity close."
Anderson sees Axiz's lead-free compliance as a positive step for not only the company, but also the industry. "We pride ourselves on not only being responsible corporate citizens, but a company that unites technology with intelligence. Lead-free manufacturing us just one example of how we do this."
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