Microsoft, in response to environmental concerns, will phase out all use of polyvinyl chloride plastic by the end of the year, the software giant announced Wednesday.
Microsoft is joining other industry titans such as Apple Computer, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Sony, Sharp and Samsung that have recently taken steps to eliminate their use of polyvinyl chloride plastics, otherwise known as PVC or vinyl, in the packaging of their products.
PVC can emit hazardous dioxins during its production process and when burning the material, environmental and health organizations say. Dioxins are a synthetic chemical linked to cancer and impairment of immune and reproductive systems, studies have shown. "The long-term environmental effects of PVC are well-known, and we are
proud that our efforts have eliminated an estimated 361,000 pounds of
PVC packaging since July of this year alone," Pamela Passman, Microsoft
vice president of corporate affairs, said in a statement.
News source: C|Net News.com
