A York-based hi-tech company is one of the first to plan ahead for its WEEE.

Sumo Technologies Ltd of Marygate, which develops and manufactures tablet-shaped computer hardware wirelessly linked to networks, has become the first company in its field to react to the European WEEE directive by announcing its own comprehensive WEEE plan.

WEEE stands for Waste from Electronic and Electrical Equipment and the directive targets those involved in the lifecycle of these products by demanding increased environmental performance from them.

From August 13, manufacturers will be responsible for financing collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of WEEE from all users except private households. From December 31, 2006, a demanding recycling and recovery target for different categories of appliance will be introduced.

As a manufacturer of electronic equipment, Sumo must now finance the management of WEEE from all products placed on the market after August 13.

So the firm has constructed its own comprehensive WEEE plan to enable returned goods to be made available for resale; reconditioning damaged equipment for resale at reduced prices; removing parts for reuse from redundant equipment; the recycling of materials used in product production which can not be put back into the market and the use of landfill for any remaining parts.

David Turlington founder and chief executive of Sumo Technologies Ltd, said: "We want to be at the forefront of the environmental movement in the computing industry as it is undoubtedly going to change the way in which devices are designed and built.

"The Sumo WEEE plan will allow us to develop our own environmental policy further and expand our commitment towards a greener planet. It will also enable us to service our customers well while complying with all relevant legislation."

Founded in 1999, Sumo Technologies Ltd is one of the UK's leading developers and manufacturers of thin-client and wireless tablet devices. It provides a range of IT solutions and has a comprehensive customer support system.

Sumo proactively develops products which are highly recyclable and have low energy consumption.

Updated: 11:40 Wednesday, March 23, 2005