As a global leader in organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, OLEDWorks places a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing of materials to demonstrate our commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainable practices throughout our business. In this article, we’ll discuss conflict minerals and their impact, our responsible materials sourcing policy, and how this policy connects to the sustainability of our Atala automotive OLED lighting products.
Conflict Minerals and Their Impact
“Conflict minerals” is a term that refers to tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold ore concentrates and metals—known collectively as “3TG”—that originate from conflict zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries. These minerals can inadvertently enter global supply chains, including those of the automotive and electronics industries.
These minerals are often mined and extracted under the control of armed groups and are frequently used to influence and finance armed conflict. The extraction and trading of conflict 3TG resources is linked to violence, forced labor, human rights abuses, and the destruction of the fabric of communities and the environments upon which they depend.
The profits from these minerals are not passed to the people living and working in and around mines. This structurally influences regional economic, political, and social systems and global supply chains and perpetuates instability and suffering in local communities.
Global Conflict Minerals Regulations
Section 1502 of the U.S. Dodd-Frank Act initiated the movement toward conflict-free sourcing by compelling American companies to verify their products' origins. In 2021, the European Union (EU) implemented Conflict Minerals Regulation for EU companies to stop conflict minerals and metals from being exported to the EU and to support the development of local communities that are affected by their mining and trade.
International entities, including the Responsible Minerals Initiative and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), also provide resources and guidance to help companies make more informed decisions and implement responsible mineral supply chain practices.
Conflict-Free Sourcing Matters to OLEDWorks
In the evolving landscape of sustainability and ethical action, the automotive industry faces a critical challenge: to ensure that the minerals acquired and used in product manufacturing processes are conflict-free. This underscores the importance of knowing how 3TG minerals are sourced throughout the world.
OLEDWorks' conflict-free materials sourcing policy reflects our commitment to transparency in our global supply chain. It also strengthens our ability to build trust with customers and collaborate with other automotive industry stakeholders on industry-wide solutions that respect human rights and avoid contributing to conflict.
Exercising due diligence and implementing robust traceability mechanisms can help ensure that 3TG minerals are appropriately tracked throughout the supply chain—from mine to manufacturing—to support better decision making. OLEDWorks’ due diligence approach aligns with OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, and we expect the suppliers with whom we work to also adhere to this guidance.
Responsible Mineral Sourcing for World-Class Atala Lighting
Our Atala OLED automotive lighting solutions are the product of many decisions made by the talented members of the OLEDWorks team. These decisions make possible our ability to provide our customers with sustainable, world-class automotive lighting that offers unparalleled performance and quality.
Yet “world-class" would ring hollow if we didn't practice responsible sourcing of the materials that we use to create our Atala products. It isn’t enough to create more energy efficient and longer-lasting automotive OLED lighting solutions if they aren’t also part of proactive efforts to create change that could help benefit people and the places in which they live and work.
Responsible sourcing isn't just an obligation mandated by international laws; it's an ethical imperative that we take seriously, as do our automotive lighting partners.
Lighting the Road Toward a Better Future
Conflict minerals and their sourcing are extremely complex issues—ones that require many actors to come together to create and implement lasting solutions. Throughout our operations, OLEDWorks is proud to be among those in the automotive industry and beyond who are committed to effecting change that helps create a better future for all.
By engaging industry stakeholders, raising awareness, and diligently tracing mineral supply chains to ensure that the products and components we source or that are supplied to us containing 3TG minerals are conflict-free, we are implementing practices that help facilitate more sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship within our global communities.
Responsible sourcing of materials for our Atala lighting and our non-automotive OLED products is but one part of OLEDWorks' sustainability work. However, it is without question an integral part of leading with integrity and compassion, and infusing these values in all that we do.