Product material declaration program at Intel

The material composition of electronics products is becoming a vital piece of information in the supply chain as original electronics manufacturers (OEM´s) and component suppliers prepare for global initiatives that both restrict the use of certain substances in electronic devices and require their collection and recycling. In February 2001, the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), and its member companies, developed a material declaration guideline to harmonize the list of chemicals that are of interest throughout the electronics industry. The EIA Material Declaration Guide has been adopted by several companies throughout the industry, however the potential of the Guide has been underutilized. As a key component manufacturer within the industry, Intel has taken steps to develop an internal material declaration process to provide its customers with timely and accurate product content data. Intel´s material declaration program is based on the EIA Material Declaration Guide. This paper presents Intel´s methodology for managing customer requests on material content data, including procedures for tracking and responding to customer requests, generating material content data via analytical testing and supplier screening, and creating a database of common materials found in Intel components. In addition to meeting its customer´s needs, the product material content data will also be used internally to assist in future product design decisions.