IFAT To Address Growing E-Waste Problem at 2005 Show

Global e-Waste market to grow by more than 8 percent by 2009

Chicago, March 28, 2005 – Leading waste management and environmental protection industry experts will examine the growing issue of e-Waste at IFAT 2005, the world’s largest trade show for waste disposal and the environment. IFAT attendees will gain an international view of the business opportunities that result from increased e-Waste, or electronic equipment that has reached its end of life (EOL) for its current user.

Between 1997 and 2004, more than 315 million computers became obsolete in the U.S. alone. This means that about 1.2 billion pounds of lead, 400,000 pounds of mercury, two million pounds of cadmium and four billion pounds of plastic could have potentially seeped into the environment from e-Waste.

According to a report from Business Communications Company, Inc., (BCC Research) the worldwide market for e-Waste will rise at an average annual growth rate of 8.8 percent from $7.2 billion in 2004 to $11 billion in 2009.

“IFAT will offer manufacturers, waste disposal and waste recovery companies and local and regional authorities a forum for innovative solutions to dealing with the growing problem of electronic waste,” said Eugen Egetenmeir, deputy managing director of Messe München International.

Globally, Europe has taken the lead in reducing e-Waste. IFAT’s location, in the heart of Europe, enables attendees to get a first-hand look at how some governments are dealing with this issue. In fact, the European Union has drafted legislation on Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment, known as the WEEE Directive.

On Tuesday, April 26, the “Transposition of the WEEE Directive in National Law” presentation will take place at IFAT 2005. It will cover topics such as the electro-technical laws in the EU, recycling of old equipment, product design responsibility and collection of old electronic equipment. Speakers include: Dipl.-Ing. Torsten Höppner, Dr. Mario Müller, Phillips GmbH, Dr. Thomas Rummler, Federal German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, and Hartmut Theusner, Managing Director EAR Services, Germany.

Developing countries represent the fastest growing segment of the e-Waste market, with the potential to triple their e-Waste output over the next five years. China’s e-Waste output is growing at a rate of almost 8 percent annually.

“China Day,” coordinated by the Bavarian State Minister of the Environment, Health and Consumer Protection, Dr. Werner Schnappauf, and organized jointly by Messe München GmbH, will present the latest trends and business opportunities for e-Waste in China. It will cover environmental policies and tips for entering the Chinese waste management market. Among the topics to be discussed are: Financing and financial services, Important organizations for entering the Chinese market, and Opportunities and risks

Registration and tickets are available at www.ifat.de. The Web site also includes a database of exhibitors, maps of Munich and the trade show floor, and information on all Munich attractions. Travel Trade International can be reached at 866-674-3476 to coordinate all travel and accommodation needs.

IFAT 2005 At A Glance
WHAT: Largest worldwide trade show for environmental protection. Nearly 100,000 worldwide visitors and over 2,000 exhibitors.
WHEN: April 25-29, 2005, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
WHERE: New Munich Trade Fair Centre, Munich, Germany
VISITOR: To coordinate travel and accommodation needs, call toll-free 866-674-3476 or visit www.traveltradeint.com.
EXHIBITOR: Those interested in exhibiting can call Anke Gruening at 646-437-1014.