TÜV Rheinland has awarded the world’s first Green Product Certificates to consumer electronics manufacturers Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. The TV sets Samsung 3D SMART TV and LG 3D SMART TV are the first TV sets worldwide to qualify for the voluntary test mark developed and offered by TÜV Rheinland.
The new Green Product Certification combines both mandatory European Union’s (EU) and TÜV Rheinland’s additional Green Product requirements into one integrated test mark. Prerequisites for Green Product Certification include product safety assessment and a report on the company’s corporate social responsibility. Both the LG and Samsung TV sets were tested for responsible use of chemical substances, recyclability and reuse of recycled materials, carbon footprint, and energy consumption and efficiency.
“With the new Green Product Certification, TÜV Rheinland has developed a unique and independent test mark,” said Prof. h.c. Dr. Ralf Wilde, TÜV Rheinland Executive Vice President, Products. ”The test mark offers advantages for both manufacturers and consumers when it comes to green products: companies can clearly set themselves apart from competition and it can guide environmentally conscious consumers looking for sustainable products.”
The voluntary TÜV Rheinland Green Product Certification is based on tests covering the following areas:
Carbon footprint:
Carbon footprint is a new method of calculating the greenhouse gas emissions caused by a product throughout its entire lifecycle, or part thereof. TÜV Rheinland analyzes the critical phases in the lifecycle of a product.
Energy consumption and energy efficiency:
TÜV Rheinland assesses electrical products for energy consumption and energy efficiency. The products that pass the inspection offer a reduction in energy consumption for the consumer’s household, thereby lowering electricity costs.
Responsible use of chemical substances:
The products are tested according to various EU directives and requirements, including RoHS, REACH, PAH and associated provisions that limit the use of harmful substances in electrical and electronic products in order to protect consumers and the environment.
Recyclability and the reuse of recycled materials:
The evaluation of the percentage of recycling material in the product and the recyclability of the product, as set out in the WEEE Directive, is part of the testing for TÜV Rheinland Green Product Certification. TÜV Rheinland also verifies the correct use and designation of reused material for certain product groups. Great importance is attached to the limited use of PVC, phthalates and bromide flame retardants in certified equipment.
