AMP

AMP is a leading producer of electrical and electronic connectors, including cutting-edge technologies in fibre-optics, wireless technology and sensors. The company defines Design for Environment (DFE) as 'doing right things right' - in other words, ensuring that they meet their customers' demands in an environmentally responsible manner.

AMP engineers have long been aware of the need to incorporate environmental considerations into product design. In the past few years, the company has made a major investment in (DFE). Working with the University of Wisconsin, AMP developed a DFE training programme. AMP engineers are given a detailed eight-hour training course that emphasizes the importance of considering environmental criteria when selecting product materials, and this enables them to apply the pollution prevention hierarchy in product design.

In addition, AMP engineers gain a better understanding of industrial ecology while learning to use a simplified life-cycle analysis tool when designing, developing, manufacturing, packaging and distributing AMP products.

Since the scheme was launched, several thousand AMP engineers have received DFE training. In 1996 a 70-minute video presentation was developed and distributed to each country environmental coordinator, and DFE awareness training was provided.

By designing with the environment in mind, AMP has:

• Eliminated the use of packaging containing ozone-depleting chemicals and heavy metals;
• Substituted unbleached cardboard in place of bleached cardboard.
• Reduced packaging materials by recycling and reusing wood pallets.
• Increased post-consumer recycled content in packaging.