This study offers guidance to companies in the German electronics industry and their stakeholders on the significant environmental impacts along industry-specific supply chains. It is intended to support companies in the implementation of environmental due diligence and environmental management in global supply chains. This study is the third publication in a series of sector studies commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA).
The study is based on a modelling of the industry-specific supply chain related to the environmental topics of greenhouse gases, air pollutants, land, water, water-polluting substances and waste. In addition to the analysis of individual environmental topics, the study also contains an in-depth examination of the focus topic semiconductor chips (including the particularly relevant raw materials copper, gold and tin), which is intended to further support companies in the implementation of environmental and human rights due diligence. The study also shows exemplary correlations between risks for negative impacts on the environment and human rights. Based on the analysis results of the study, starting points and measures for companies are formulated.