APIC ’07: Petchem stability vital for Asia electronics

18 May 2007 10:42  [Source: ICIS news]

TAIPEI (ICIS news)--Asia’s electronic industry growth is dependent on the petrochemical industry maintaining stability of prices of materials and production capabilities, said the chairman of Japanese consumer electronics giant Toshiba, Friday.

 

Plastics account for one-third of the weight of Toshiba’s personal computers making it a critical component, said Tadashi Okamura, chairman of Toshiba, in a speech to delegates at the annual Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) in Taipei.

 

“We really hope to see that (price and production stability) happen although production and cost are not the only points of concern,” he said.

 

The product cycle of consumer electronics and energy conservation can no longer be ignored, he added. Chemical companies already have to contend with stricter standards on the materials they handle in the region and globally.

 

“We have to devote more time to the recovery of waste plastics, which is why (Toshiba) would like to see the development of raw materials that are easier to recycle and are more environmentally friendly,” he said.

 

The company had not yet approached petrochemical companies because it outsources manufacturing to third party contractors, which is common for branded consumer electronics firms around the world.

 

“We will try to engage with these contract manufacturers in the future,” he said.

 

All chemical companies will have to contend with stringent environmental legislation preventing some material exports to Europe.

 

The EU’s registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of chemicals (REACH) legislation is expected to be implemented soon, which requires chemical manufacturers to evaluate the health, safety and environmental aspects of their products.

 

It will require the registration of roughly 30,000 existing chemicals.

ICIS Copyright © Reed Business Information 2009

Author: Matt Kovac
+65 6780 4359

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