TCO Certified: What is it and Why is it Important?

TCO Certified is a globally recognized certification that highlights a product’s commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and performance. For monitors, it ensures that certified products meet rigorous criteria designed to reduce their environmental impact, promote ethical manufacturing practices, and enhance the user experience over the entire lifecycle.
What is a TCO Certified Monitor?
A TCO Certified monitor has been independently evaluated and verified to meet high standards of sustainability, including energy efficiency, reduced hazardous substances, and ethical labor practices in the supply chain. This certification showcases the manufacturer’s commitment to reducing environmental harm and emphasizes durable and responsible product design, helping users invest in products that last longer and have less environmental impact over time.
What Does TCO Certified Mean?
Achieving TCO Certified status signifies that a monitor has met stringent sustainability criteria through a comprehensive evaluation. This certification not only ensures that the product minimizes environmental impact—such as energy consumption and non-toxic material use—but also promotes fair labor practices and human rights in manufacturing. By obtaining TCO Certified certification, manufacturers ensure their monitors are durable, high-performing, and made ethically, which benefits the consumer by promoting a reliable and long-lasting product.
The TCO Certified Standard
The TCO Certified standard is a comprehensive framework that addresses sustainability challenges in the tech industry. These criteria are regularly updated to align with new technologies and sustainability priorities. The standard covers three key areas:
- Environmental Sustainability: Criteria include reducing hazardous substances, improving energy efficiency, and utilizing recycled materials.
- Social Responsibility: Ensuring fair labor practices and safe working conditions in the supply chain.
- Product Performance: Requirements for ergonomic design and product durability to enhance the user experience and extend the product’s life cycle.
These standards ensure that TCO Certified monitors contribute to a more ethical and sustainable tech industry by focusing on both quality and responsibility. Additionally, with a durable product design, TCO Certified monitors help reduce electronic waste, promoting responsible consumption.
How Does a Monitor Get TCO Certified?
To achieve TCO Certified certification, manufacturers submit their monitors to an independent, third-party evaluation. Accredited organizations assess the monitors against TCO Certified’s comprehensive environmental, social, and product performance criteria. The monitors are continuously monitored to ensure they remain compliant with these standards throughout their lifecycle.
Why Choose TCO Certified Monitors?
Choosing a TCO Certified monitor means opting for a high-quality, long-lasting product that aligns with a commitment to responsible design, eco-friendly practices, and ethical manufacturing. A TCO Certified monitor offers you peace of mind that it is part of a sustainable and ethical approach to electronics manufacturing.
By choosing TCO Certified products from Philips, you’re ensuring that your investment contributes to reducing electronic waste, supporting sustainable manufacturing, and aligning with responsible business practices. If you’re looking for more information or want to see which Philips monitors are TCO Certified, feel free to explore here.