July 5, 2005, Carlsbad, CA--The Melles Griot Laser Group produces lasers of many wavelengths, but soon they will all be green. In an effort to conserve natural resources and restrict or eliminate hazardous substances from their products, Melles Griot plans to institute programs for recycling lasers and reducing hazardous materials.
The company has invested in and received training by TUV Rheinland (Newtown, CT) and instituted two major manufacturing initiatives which have enabled the following commitments. Effective August 13, 2005, all Melles Griot laser products covered by Annex 1A of European Union directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and amending directive 2003/108/EC will be marked according to the directive, and systems will be in place for the collection, treatment, and recovery of the products.
Effective July 1, 2006, the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBBs) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Melles Griot laser products will either be fully eliminated, or restricted to the levels permitted by European Union directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of use of certain hazardous substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment.
These initiatives have involved major financial and technical resources from both Melles Griot and its partner-suppliers.
TUV Rheinland is a neutral, independent international service group that tests products for compliance with international standards.