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InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Uncovers Environmental Initiatives that are Disrupting European Hardware and Supplies Industries

(Luton, U.K.) July 21, 2004… The environment has been an important issue for the hardware and supplies industries for many years. Office automation companies have been improving their environmental charters by implementing environmentally-friendly practices. Up until this year, environmental labels have been mostly voluntary, with many operating on a country or regional basis. With the introduction of the Electrical and Electronic Environmental Legislation (WEEE), this is all changing.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ new white paper entitled Environmental Update for the Hardware and Supplies Industry in Europe provides a comprehensive look at these environmental initiatives and directives that are currently affecting the hardware and supplies industries in Europe.

One of the larger initiatives covered in the report that is slated to have a significant impact on the hardware industry is the Electrical and Electronic Environmental Legislation (WEEE). This initiative will be the first mandatory environmental legislation to be enacted at a pan-European level.

This directive is set to be enforced this summer. The Table below outlines the manufacturers, suppliers, and market sectors that will be affected.

Table: Market Sectors Affected by the WEEE Directive

Source: Department of Trade and Industry U.K.

In its current form, WEEE does not consider consumables such as toner cartridges to be part of the hardware, and these products will therefore not be subject to the directive on recycling.

“The standard is no longer seen as a mere marketing tool that uses an environmental label to promote a product, but as a way to judge if a company is taking responsibility for the environment,” commented Norah Seery, a Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. “The WEEE law represents a turning point in environmental legislation as the first mandatory pan-European scheme.”

This white paper is available immediately to clients of InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ European Communication Supplies Consulting Service. For more information about the report or to make a purchase, please contact Jason Russell at + or via e-mail at  .

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is available on the Web at www.infotrendsresearch.com.