China and EU work together for greener electronics China and Europe worked together to reduce the environmental impact of electronic products and increase sustainability. This was achieved through the exchange of expert knowledge at a number of international events. Climate Change and Environment © Thinkstock The ‘Europe - China cooperation in green electronics production research’ (EC-GEPRO) project was established to increase contact between Chinese and EU academic and industrial researchers. The initiative’s main objective was to develop green electronic products and production processes. The project included the setting up of a dedicated centre of excellence based in Shanghai, China. Research teams and an international exchange programme for researchers and students were also formed. Four major events were organised under the auspices of the EU-funded EC-GEPRO project, including the 2nd International Eco-electronics Conference. At the events participants discussed international trade and legislation. Additional events involved a symposium on green electronics that aimed to create a platform to facilitate cooperation between governments, industry and educational institutes. A workshop was also organised as part of the EC-GEPRO initiative. The first was in Shanghai and was part of the China-EU Science and Technology Year (CESTY) events. A further conference on green electronics in Warsaw, Poland established a forum for exchanging knowledge on the ecological facets of electronic systems, including the recycling of components. The success of EC-GEPRO will allow both China and the EU to reduce the environmental impact of their electronic products and promote sustainability. This will also help the two economies to compete better in the global market place.
