safe disposal: Chichibu Onoda Cement Corp of Japan is all set to go green by deciding to phase out five types of ozone-damaging chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) for the government, at its cement plant in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture. The production of these chemicals has already been banned and the company will incinerate the remaining chemicals. It has entered into a contract with the Tokyo metropolitan government to treat 50 metric tonnes (t) of CFCs a year. According to industry estimates, some two million t of CFCs have been produced in Japan, of which some 220,000 t remain.

added advantage: Mobile telephones will now come with added features. Kyocera of Japan has launched a mobile phone in Japan which incorporates a micro-computer and small liquid crystal display screen to enable users to access e-mail and online services from any part of world.The new mobile phone has been designed primarily as a wireless mobile modem to link computers to networks. The handset relies on pre-installed software to access computer networks and download and transmit e-mail from the LCD screen. It weighs just 175 gm and costs around US $345 a piece.

widening links: In a bid to broad base its network in the European computer market, Intel Corp of US has entered into a deal with Luxembourg-based Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES). The joint venture known as European Satellite Multimedia Services will promote the use of computers and Internet services in the region by offering high-speed data transmission services using SES's existing fleet of six satellites which cover Europe. SES is already in a leading position in Europe's digital-broadcasting market.

double savings: Industries will now have access to cost-effective heating and small-scale captive power generation thanks to an energy-saving boiler which has been launched by Pune-based Thermax Ltd. The product is based on the fluidised bed technology which uses low-grade Indian coal characterised by high ash content and low calorific value. The new boiler designed by the company can efficiently burn low-grade fuels such as coal and coal fines, washery tailings and rejects from coal washeries. It is capable of generating three to 12 MW electricity.

green tech: With the development of electrostatic precipitator, steel plants in the country can now look forward to a cleaner environment. The device has been developed by the Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL). The company will initially supply four electrostatic precipitators to Bhilai steel plant in Madhya Pradesh. These will be used for removing dust and handling waste gas flow. BHEL has emerged as the largest manufacturer of electrostatic precipitators used for pollution control in thermal power stations and core sector industries like cement, newsprint and sugar.

bright prospects: Solahart Industries Pvt Ltd, the world's leading manufacturer of solar hot water systems, based in Perth, Australia, is all set to expand its market in India. It has tied up with Mumbai-based Suvidha Engineers India to market its solar hot water systems in western India. The product consists of a metal plate, which absorbs the sun's rays and heats water which can be stored in a tank attached to it. The heaters are available in two models priced at Rs 90,000 and Rs 1,15,000.