A global survey on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the tablet personal computer industry has shown wide variances among 10 major brands whose products are distributed in the Hong Kong market.
The difference was substantial between the top performer which was rated with a score of 4 points on a 1 - 5 scale while the least performer with only 1 point.
The survey, conducted by the International Consumer Research & Testing (ICRT), aims at an evaluation of how brands are addressing CSR issues along their supply chain and at sub-contracting manufacturing companies.
The overall rating of the tablet brands' CSR performance was based on issues of social responsibilities (45%), environmental responsibilities (40%), stakeholder engagement (5%), and transparency (10%).
The ICRT study was carried out by research combining a questionnaire survey of the tablet PC brand owners (May - August 2014) and examination of public documents to assess CSR issues, among others, such as labour rights and conditions, environmental impacts of production, and the practices concerning product life.
In the survey, the top performer was awarded 4 points, followed closely by another with 3.5 points. Most (5 brands) scored 3 points while 2 others 2.5 points. Last on the ranking was the brand with a disappointing 1 point.
Consumers, on the other hand, can also play a part in consumption sustainability to alleviate the environmental impact of disposal of electronics. It is estimated that some 20% of the 6 million pieces of computers and their components currently in Hong Kong will be replaced and dumped each year - the annual growth rate of such electronics waste being about 2%.
Consumers are urged to make use of the Government's recycling programme for used computers including desk, portable and tablets. A network of 1,200 housing estates, commercial factory buildings and 15 public centres has been set up across Hong Kong to collect used computers for recycling purposes.
Nevertheless consumers should always consider repair to prolong the life of their computers so as to reduce waste. The Council has found that some brands of tablet personal computers do not provide users with refurbished goods or replacement of battery. Such practice has the effect of shortening the product life thus aggravating the waste problem.
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