Intel are proud to announce today that they have gone entirely lead-free on production of their future processor lineup, beginning with the 45nm Hi-k family comprising next-gen Core 2 Duo/Quad and Xeon processors.

For a full understanding of the the advantages behind lead-free production, grab the official PR here folks.

wSYDNEY, Australia, May 22, 2007 - Intel Corporation today announced that its future processors, beginning with its entire family of 45 nanometre (nm) high-k metal gate (Hi-k) processors, are going 100 per cent lead-free. The Intel 45nm Hi-k family includes the next-generation Intel® Core™ 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad and Xeon® processors, and the company will begin 45nm Hi-k production in the second half of this year.

"Intel is taking an aggressive stance toward environmental sustainability, from the elimination of lead and a focus on greater energy efficiency of our products, to fewer air emissions and more water and materials recycling," said Nasser Grayeli, Intel vice president and director of assembly test technology development, Technology and Manufacturing Group.