Background
Halogenated flame retardants have been successfully used in electronics and plastics for many years to reduce fire-related incidents. However, these chemicals are toxic and can pose a serious environmental hazard because they do not break down over time and are toxic to humans and wildlife.
Halogen Free
In electronic products, the most common type of halogenated flame retardants is brominated flame retardants or BFRs typically used in safety-critical components like PCBs and plastic cases. Over recent years, the use of BFRs in Europe has dropped significantly due to new regulations and legislation concerning the use of hazardous chemicals in electronics such as RoHS and REACH or through the Stockholm Convention.
Also, technological advances have also helped reduce BFR usage as there are viable and cost-effective non-halogenated alternatives that meet all the same safety standards. As a result, many new components and plastics are now either halogen free or contain a very low percentage.
International standards which are aimed specifically at reducing or eliminating halogens in electronic components and products include:
- IEC 61249-2-45 for PCB materials
- JEDEC JS709C Low Halogen Definition for electronic components
- UL74H halogen free standard for plastic resins
- ETSI TS 102 874-5 Eco-design requirements for External Common Power Supply
Some materials persist in using BFRs mainly due to their low cost. A common material is PVC which is widely used as the insulating jacket on the DC output cables. However, there are now halogen free alternative materials available to replace PVC such as TPE which we have used on several products.
Despite being more expensive, TPE offers a ‘rubber like’ eco-friendly alternative with better elasticity and recyclability. Much like PVC, TPE is versatile and offers the performance benefits of rubber with the ease of processing plastics. TPE has the capability to look and feel like PVC, despite not having the exact same properties and has a broader temperature range.
Swedish Regulation
Sweden is leading the way in the mission to eliminate BFRs and go Halogen Free by using a taxing system. Since July 2017, taxes have been placed on chemicals in certain electronic goods. The goal of this is to reduce exposure to flame retardants in the home.
Sweden’s Tax and Chemicals Agencies Final Report Summary:
- reduce the tax rate (95% exemption instead of 90%) for products not containing FRs considered problematic
- consider hazard assessment of FRs, such as CLP classification or Green-ScreenTM ratings, in defining tax rates, as well as the presence of bromine, chlorine, fluorine or phosphorus and reactive/additive,
- clarify definitions, including for “flame retardant” and for “reactive” and “additive” FRs, plus various other technical changes.
* ““FRs containing bromine, chlorine and fluorine (halogenated flame retardants) should be considered as a single group, as regards hazard, which should be phased out”.
Source: https://www.pinfa.eu/mediaroom/swedish-chemicals-tax-proposed-changes/
Conclusion
Operators and CPE manufacturers will want to understand the path toward low halogen or halogen free (HF) PSU product offerings, the key differences, and the benefits of implementation. Sweden is paving the path to an eco-friendlier future using taxing on BFRs.
At NetBit, we can work with customers to define the requirements for a low halogen or fully halogen free product and the associated options. Finding suitable HF materials will be a vital step of the design optimization process which is a key part of our overall eco-design strategy looking at the total lifecycle of the product.
To find out more about how NetBit is going Halogen free please contact us at sales@netbit.com.
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