ROSEMONT, IL — The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative and IPC will produce a half-day forum on emerging environmental regulations around the globe on Sept. 28, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center here in suburban Chicago.

The forum, Life after EU RoHS, will also identify collaborative efforts to close policy and technology gaps in preparation for future legislation.

“There are a number of new requirements being implemented in Europe, Asia, and the U.S., and industry needs to be involved in the policy discussions as well as preparing for the technology challenges” said Fern Abrams, director of environmental policy for IPC.  

The forum will provide an overview of key legislation that is currently pending, such as EU REACH, EU EuP, China RoHS and state laws in the U.S., plus review policy monitoring and advocacy efforts underway.  Participants will also identify policy and technology gaps and discuss potential new efforts to close them. 

Forum speakers include:

• Robert C. Pfahl, vice president, iNEMI
• Fern Abrams, director of environmental policy, IPC
• Jean-Philippe Brisson, associate, Allen & Overy
  
• Thomas E. Valliere, senior vice president, Design Chain Associates.
  

“Although many electronics manufacturers are already involved in the policy debates underway, communication between the policy and technology functions within companies could be improved,” said Pfahl. “As was the case with RoHS/WEEE, a number of these new regulations will require multiple functions within companies to develop effective and traceable solutions that harmonize with existing product and process requirements.”  

For additional information about the forum, go to http://www.inemi.org/cms/calendar/SMTAI_2006_Life_after.html