PCB manufacturer goes green

Citation

(2000), "PCB manufacturer goes green", Circuit World, Vol. 26 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/cw.2000.21726dab.020

PCB manufacturer goes green

PCB manufacturer goes green

Keywords Thomas-Walter, ISO 14001

Thomas-Walter has become the latest UK printed circuit manufacturer to win ISO 14001 environmental registration, an achievement regarded as particularly significant in that the company was not required to address any "non conformities" in its manufacturing operations during the final assessment phase. Thomas-Walter is now one of only four firms in the UK PCB fabrication industry to have won this international recognition of its environmental responsibility.

A member of the L.Gardner Aerospace Group, Thomas-Walter is a leading manufacturer of high technology circuit boards used primarily in aerospace defence and telecommunications applications. Along with many of its customers, the company sees environmental protection and awareness as important parts of its business culture.

To obtain ISO 14001 Environmental Management System registration, Thomas-Walter had to demonstrate that everything it does is focused on environmental best practice. It also had to show that, in terms Of the company's environmental impact, objectives had been set and ongoing management reviews established to ensure continual improvement. To assist it getting the system formalised, the company called in PCB industry consultants, Paragon Chartered Chemists. This Surrey-based specialist consultancy examined the processes and procedures Thomas-Walter employs and the impact these have upon the environment and then assisted with the installation of the necessary documentation system.