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Most of Ericsson's printed circuit boards are to be bromine-free by next year. Bromine-containing flame retardants are being phased out by important players like Ericsson, Electrolux and Flextronics. However, there is still disagreement regarding substitutes.
Swedish electrical appliance specialist Electrolux intends to get rid of all bromine-containing flame retardants in its products. However, the company has not said when this objective will be achieved.

Communications specialist Ericsson is more specific. The company's goal is for 80 per cent of all printed circuit boards to be free from bromine-based flame retardants next year. Ericsson is focusing on printed circuit boards (PCBs) as these contain most of the flame retardants. Components are smaller and do not contain quite so much of the harmful material.

Martin Valfridsson at PCB manufacturer Multek tells Elektroniktidningen that there are no major technical hurdles to cross before switching to new alternative flame retardants. However, in his view, flame retardant agents should be avoided altogether wherever possible, as they all act as impurities and affect electrical properties. According to Ericsson, this would be impossible.

Environmental consultant Orango questions whether it is wise to substitute all bromine-containing flame retardants with new alternatives, since the environmental effects of these substitutes are still unknown. The company has gathered information on bromine-containing flame retardants and is currently studying the alternatives.


Gittan Cedervall

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