Milton Keynes, 12th September, 2006 – Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), a leading motherboard, barebone system and notebook manufacturer, has launched the “ECS Green Competitive Advantage and Quality Plan” by implementing innovative green product designs, manufacturing processes and component control.

Under this plan, ECS has established four “non-toxic” control processes which include non-toxic suppliers, non-toxic raw materials, non-toxic manufacturing and non-toxic products. ECS will obtain IECQ QC080000 certification in November 2006 to go together with three other EU-wide environmental regulations that include Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), RoHS Compliance and the eco-design requirements for Energy-Using Products (EuP).

Following global environmental regulations for prohibiting harmful materials and waste recycling requirements, which have made all major computer and component suppliers in Taiwan improve raw materials, manufacturing processes and workflows. ECS’ long-term commitment to both customers and the environment has seen it launch the green product design concept which follows the EU’s environmental restrictions for not using harmful materials as well as enforcing suppliers to comply with the green standards. In addition, ECS initiated the “ECS Green Competitive Advantage and Quality Plan” to minimize the impact EU-wide environmental regulations have on business, and turn these restrictions into new business opportunities.

Because global environmental awareness continues to gain importance, green product development know-how becomes a competitive advantage. The “ECS Green Competitive Advantage and Quality Plan” starts from the early engineering and product design stages, includes non-toxic materials, eco-designs, and easier disassembly and recycling. RoHS compliance applies to non-toxic components; WEEE applies to disassembly and recycling. Also, to create energy saving products and low-power consumption designs, Life Cycle Management and Eco-profiles are evaluated as well.

The ECS Green Competitive Advantage and Quality Plan comprises of four non-toxic controls. These include:

1. Non-toxic supply control: Starting in the product design stage, all components and raw materials must meet environmental rules.
2. Non-toxic material control: All components and raw materials must pass internal non-toxic testing.
3. Non-toxic production: All production facilities such as tooling and soldering have to meet all environmental standards and pass regular inspections.
4. Non-toxic quality control: All finished goods must pass non-toxic quality testing.

All these efforts reflect the ECS commitment to protecting the earth, for our customers and future generations.