In 2003, the Euoropean Commission adopted two directives that restrict the hazardous material content of, and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.

Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of the Use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) requires that, from July 1, 2006, new electrical and electronic equipment put on the market in Europe does not contain lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). .

Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) addresses the prevention of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and in addition, the reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of such wastes so as to reduce the disposal of waste in Europe.

What is OSRAM SYLVANIA doing?

OSRAM SYLVANIA is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products, processes and packaging. Our company embraces the efforts of the EC and has been proactive in reducing the use of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury in our product manufacturing, which not only benefits the natural environment but the working environment of our employees as well.

Although many lamps are exempted from the RoHS Directive, OSRAM SYLVANIA lamps meet the Directive’s restriction of the use of hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE).  Also, OSRAM SYLVANIA has taken significant steps in the reduction of the mercury and lead content within the lamps we produce. 

OSRAM SYLVANIA plans to be fully compliant with the RoHS Directive, to the degree within which our products are governed, by the required implementation date of July 01, 2006.  Exceptions, if any, will only be related to components for which RoHS-compliant materials are unavailable from our suppliers, or the elimination of a restricted material would adversely affect the useful performance of our products.

All lamps requiring specific WEEE disposal markings will reach labeling compliance by the required date of August 13, 2005.  Recovery, disposal, and collection facilities will be available and operational for products that may find their way into the EC marketplace.