In November 2004, Olympus Corp. released a series of biological microscopes (models CX21, CX31 and CX41) that employ lead- and arsenic-free eco-glass in all optical glass parts such as lenses and prisms.

These Eco-product-certified biological microscopes have other eco-friendly features as well; for example, material identification marks are stamped on resin-molded materials and die-cast parts in order to promote recycling. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that analyzes the products' environmental impacts was implemented, and packaging materials were reduced and switched from polystyrene foam to cardboard.

These products were developed and released in accordance with original Olympus Eco-Product standards that were first introduced in fiscal 2003. These standards contain protocols for examining, assessing and approving Eco-Products in each product category, and promote a shift to safer chemicals, better energy-efficiency, the realization of a circulation-oriented society through the '3Rs' (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and disclosure of product-related environmental information to stakeholders.



Posted: 2005/03/23 09:22:35 AM
Japanese version

TAG Chemicals , Eco-product/Business , Manufacturing industry , Material reduction