Our Approach

Material selection is one of the most important stages of the product development process.  The choice of material greatly influences the impact of the product on the environment.  Through material restrictions, optimization, recycling and reconditioning, Black & Decker is greatly reducing the impact its products have on the environment. 

Policy and Practice

a. Restrictions

Black & Decker has decided to move away from the use of certain substances, chemicals and materials in its products. To support this move, Black & Decker has introduced a restricted substance list, and a review process to ensure implementation during the design process.  The restricted substances list also includes substances which are monitored and efforts are made to identify more acceptable substitutes.  In many cases these material lists are also sent to suppliers so that all products comply with internal Black & Decker requirements as well as applicable regulations such as California Proposition 65 and the European RoHS Directive.  Below is an example of screening equipment used at Black & Decker to verify RoHS compliance.

         
RoHS Screening Equipment

b. Optimization

Engineering design tools are used to maximize product life and, at the same time, minimize the amount of material used.  These techniques result in additional advantages of lower cost and weight to the customer.   For example, finite element analysis programs are used to design drills that are able to withstand large drops. 

Finite Element Analysis of a Drill

c. Recycling and Reconditioning

Products are designed with recycling in mind.  Plastic parts are marked to identify their materials and fastening systems are chosen to facilitate disassembly at the end of life.  Where possible, manufacturing processing waste is reused and repair centers reuse as many components as possible.

Additionally, Black & Decker’s Industrial Products Group has an extensive network of service centers to repair damaged or worn products. Our Warranty Evaluation Center in McAllen, Texas, accepts product returns from our service centers and customers, such as home centers and mass merchants, throughout the U.S. Items are either repaired for sale as reconditioned product or separated into components for recycling

Plastic Marking