Plastic Logic Opens World's First Commercial Plastic Electronics Manufacturing Factory

DRESDEN, Germany - Plastic Logic officially opened what it is calling the world's first state-of-the-art commercial-scale plastic electronics manufacturing facility on September 17. The Dresden factory is a fully automated and integrated facility that will begin volume production of groundbreaking displays based on Plastic Logic's patented and proprietary plastic electronics technology, the company stated in a press release.

"Today marks an extraordinary achievement for our company and the plastic electronics industry," said Plastic Logic CEO Richard Archuleta. "It also marks a major milestone in preparation for the delivery of our first consumer electronics product early next year."

Plastic Logic's core technology solves the critical issue in manufacturing high-resolution transistor arrays on flexible plastic substrates using a low temperature, according to the company. The process is simpler than conventional glass silicon processes, and produces active-matrix displays that are thinner, lighter and more robust than glass.

The Dresden factory is set to begin volume production of the display that is the key feature of Plastic Logic's forthcoming electronic-reading product, scheduled to come to market in early 2009. Attendees at the ceremony received a sneak preview of the product in addition to a view of the specialized factory, which was completed and ready for production just 16 months after the building's cornerstone was laid in May 2007.

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According to Plastic Logic, advanced new processes and tools were specified, designed and created to successfully transfer proof of concept technology and processes first developed in Plastic Logic's Cambridge, UK, research and development lab. The company utilized a unique mix of standard production equipment from display manufacturing and other industries that were tailored to produce displays delivered in high volumes at costs to give it significant competitive advantage. In addition, the factory was designed for flexibility and the capacity to produce hundreds of thousands of the displays annually.

— Staff Reports

 

Samsung Electronics America Launches SAMSUNG RECYCLING DIRECT

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. - Samsung Electronics America Inc. announced September 3 its SAMSUNG RECYCLING DIRECT program, its commitment to the take-back and recycling (TB&R) of Samsung-branded consumer electronics across all of its product lines. Beginning October 1, 2008, people will be able to drop off their Samsung-branded consumer electronics sold in the United States at convenient collection sites, including permanent drop-off centers in all 50 states, and at a wide range of recycling events across the country. Samsung-branded consumer electronics will be accepted for no fee, and non-Samsung-branded consumer electronics will be accepted for a nominal fee paid directly to Samsung's contracted recycling partners upon delivery of the e-waste.

"Since the 1996 launch of our global Green Management Initiative, Samsung Electronics Co. has been a staunch advocate of preserving our environment and greening the consumer electronics industry," said DJ Oh, President and CEO, Samsung Electronics America. "As a global enterprise, we have worked diligently to put our environmental responsibility philosophy into practice across our worldwide operations, among our suppliers and partners, and within our local communities."

Samsung elected to contract directly with recycling companies, unlike other consumer electronics TB&R programs that rely on intermediaries. Samsung conducted extensive research into the qualifications, capabilities and integrity of these companies to ensure that they mirror Samsung's own environmental philosophy. As such, the SAMSUNG RECYCLING DIRECT program will only utilize recyclers that do not incinerate, landfill, or export toxic waste to developing countries, the company stated. The SAMSUNG RECYCLING DIRECT program also allows Samsung to track and monitor all of the collected consumer electronics for added assurance that it is recycled responsibly.

"We took the extra care to develop the SAMSUNG RECYCLING DIRECT program to achieve the highest integrity end-of-life standards," Oh added. "Samsung Electronics America has set scorecard standards with our contracted recyclers, and we will track and monitor their processes and results very closely." SAMSUNG RECYCLING DIRECT results will be posted onwww.samsung.com/recyclingdirect throughout the year. This will provide an unprecedented level of transparency to the public.

The SAMSUNG RECYCLING DIRECT program joins the numerous TB&R initiatives that the company currently has in place. Samsung's commitment will now apply to all Samsung-branded consumer electronics ranging from televisions, DVD and VHS players, audio equipment and home theater systems, to cameras, camcorders, computer monitors, printers, and peripherals. In addition, a growing number of fixed drop-off locations will be made available for home appliances.

"We at Samsung listened carefully to our consumers' needs and want to build the consumer-centric SAMSUNG RECYCLING DIRECT program which delivers on their highest priorities," stated Steven Cook, senior vice president and chief strategic marketing officer, Samsung Electronics America. "This resulted in a convenient way to responsibly recycle their consumer electronics products so that our consumers can enjoy a digital lifestyle in good conscience."

"As with any program of this magnitude and consumer-centric focus, considerations that include convenience, respect for environment and people, responsible program management, and the highest integrity are absolutely critical for a sustainable success," Oh concluded. "We at Samsung recognize our colleagues in the consumer electronics industry who have introduced take-back and recycling initiatives in recent months, and we sincerely invite those companies seeking a path to environmental responsibility for them to join us in our commitment to tackle this important issue."

— Staff Reports