Global electronics brands are making measurable progress to reduce workers’ exposure to hazardous chemicals across their supply chains—protecting over 100,000 workers worldwide.
Through the Toward Zero Exposure (TZE) program, launched by the Clean Electronics Production Network at Green America, major companies including Apple, Dell, HP, and Fairphone have committed to reducing exposure to some of the most hazardous chemicals used in electronics manufacturing.
What changed
- Over 800 manufacturing facilities across 29 countries have already eliminated or substituted the first round of priority hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives
- More than 200 supplier companies have improved chemical safety practices
- These changes are improving protections to well over 100,000 workers in electronics production
- Fairphone became the first company to fully eliminate a second round of priority chemicals at relevant facilities
Why this matters
Workers in electronics manufacturing are routinely exposed to toxic chemicals linked to serious health risks. Historically, companies relied on protective equipment or ventilation systems—but these approaches don’t eliminate the hazard itself.
TZE shifts the industry toward the most effective solution: removing hazardous chemicals entirely or replacing them with safer alternatives. This prevents exposure at every stage of the production process, rather than attempting to manage it after the fact.
Scaling industry-wide change
The program is now aligned with the Responsible Business Alliance’s Chemical Management Leadership Program, helping standardize best practices across the sector. Participating companies are also increasing transparency by sharing their Manufacturing Restricted Substances Lists (MRSLs), creating a more coordinated industry response.
The bigger picture
This is how systemic change happens: when major brands commit, entire supply chains follow. What began with a handful of companies is now influencing hundreds of suppliers and facilities globally—and setting a new baseline for worker safety in the electronics industry.
Green America’s Center for Sustainability Solutions helped bring together companies, labor advocates, and environmental experts to drive this progress—proving that collaboration can move whole industries toward safer, more responsible practices.
