Global challenges such as the management of material resources, energy management, and the reduction of global warming can only be mastered by innovative product management and ambitious environmental management. Throughout Siemens we have adopted a philosophy of resource conservation that covers all phases of a product's lifecycle. For product designers, this completes the information loop between the end of life of one product and the development phase of a new product.
Siemens' strategy therefore comprises special approaches to the refurbishment of electronic devices and systems, the reuse of components, the retrieval of spare parts and the recycling of products at the end of their lifecycle. The handling of used or disposable electrical and electronic equipment therefore means much more than collecting and recycling old electrical and electronic devices. What's important is the sensible return of such electronic devices up to the refurbishing of complete systems. We also make information available to our customers and give recommendations as to how to deal with our products at the end of their use phase.
Taking back products is growing in importance as a way to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact. Siemens voluntarily addressed this issue long before the European Union issued the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE).
This means that in most EU member states we participate in joint recycling systems established in cooperation with industry associations, and we also maintain contracts with individual recycling enterprises.
For example, Siemens' Healthcare Sector takes back used medical equipment, refurbishes the products in accordance with the Proven Excellence quality process and thus makes an important contribution to environmental protection by extending the products' useful life.
We also use environmental product declarations to make information about our products available.
2011-Mar-09 | Author