Rationale for inclusion of the substance in annex II of rohs

• Author: Clemm, Christan; Löw, Clara; Baron, Yifaat; Moch, Katja; Möller, Martin; Köhler, Andreas R; Gensch, Carl-Otto; Deubzer, Otmar
• Pages: 43-43

RoHS Annex II Dossier, final

Indium phosphide

43

11 RATIONALE FOR INCLUSION OF THE SUBSTANCE IN ANNEX II OF ROHS

Based on the available information, it can be expected that the quantities of indium phosphide used

in its main areas of application (optoelectronics, high-speed electronics, displays and lighting as well

as photovoltaic applications) currently do not exceed 100 kg / year. For the time being, the estimated

worst-case amounts of InP used for EEE applications in the EU that potentially could be released in

the waste phase to the external environment in an untransformed form are estimated to be below

100 kg / year.

With regard to the currently available substitutes, a restriction of InP is not expected to generate

substantial benefits for the environment or for health, since potential alternatives (especially GaAS

for optoelectronic devices and Cd-based QD for displays / lighting) are not considered to have a

better environmental performance than InP.

Should a restriction be introduced, however, significant cost-related impacts could be expected,

especially for EEE manufacturers and users. Due to the fundamental role of InP especially in the

area of data transfer and telecommunication, these impacts could have a substantial negative impact

on Europe´s economy as a whole.

Against this background, it is currently not recommended to pursue a restriction under the

RoHS Directive of indium phosphide.

However, there are relevant hints that the consumption of InP may increase significantly in the future.

Especially the use of InP-based QD technology in displays and LED lighting equipment is expected

to become a major driver in this respect. Taking into account worst case assumptions, total quantities

of use of up to 2,000 kg / year cannot be excluded by 2028 (see section 3.3 for more details).

InP is at least as hazardous as GaAs and has a comparable use and toxicological profile. Based on

the 10-100 tons REACH dossier of GaAs, which concluded that risks to human health and

environment are irrelevant, the consultants assume that this applies also to the use of InP, even if

the quantities of InP would increase up to the maximum estimate for 2028.