Enacted and emerging environmental legislation in Europe, Asia and North America are having a profound impact on the design, manufacturing, marketing and management of electronic products. Market drivers such as "eco-labeling" schemes and green purchasing have changed the market such that some products have to be redesigned, sometimes because the customer simply requires it. Another reason for redesign is because older parts are no longer available. The EU WEEE and RoHS Directives have focused attention on the management, reporting and elimination of hazardous substances, and on the collection and treatment of waste electronics. Complying with these new requirements and staying competitive internationally presents technical and logistical challenges to companies throughout the electronics supply chain.

Click on the links to the right to learn more about the drivers affecting the electronics industry.