R2 NEWSLETTER: NOVEMBER 2023

FEATURE STORY

R2: A GLOBAL SOLUTION FOR A GLOBAL CHALLENGE 

The challenge of making electronics sustainable isn’t just “an American thing,” or a “European issue.” With the globalization of electronics, it’s a challenge for nearly every country in every part of the world. This is especially true when you take a whole-lifecycle approach to sustainability like SERI does. That means ensuring everyone everywhere has access to responsible and sustainable reuse and recycling options. And that’s really R2’s mission. 

It's true that R2’s origin story 15 years ago is rooted in building a solution to the growing e-waste challenge in the United States. But a more relevant story of R2 today is how it quickly evolved from being an American standard to the world’s most widely adopted standard for electronics sustainability, evidenced in the fact that today there are nearly 1,100 R2 Certified Facilities in 41 countries around the world. And while those numbers fluctuate depending on the day, the trend points to accelerating global growth, both in customers requiring R2 Certification of their vendors and in facilities becoming certified, especially since the rollout of R2v3. 

What’s behind the proliferation of R2 on a global scale? Well, we think there are two factors that have contributed to R2’s growth worldwide. 

First, the R2 Technical Advisory Committee (R2 TAC) takes an international perspective when thinking about best practices for electronics reuse and recycling. There’s an inherent understanding that customers don’t want a patchwork of standards and regulations to meet their global needs. Instead, there’s real power and value in a solution like R2 that harmonizes standards across geographic boundaries. 

A second factor behind R2’s global growth is the support structure that SERI continues to build behind R2. That includes translating the R2 Standard and supporting documents into additional languages; working to expand the number of ABs, CBs, and auditors throughout the world; engaging with national regulators to leverage the framework of R2 into policy; supporting facilities with resources and training to implement R2; and engaging through many conferences around the world to educate customers on the value of working with R2 Certified partners. 

When we say “R2 sets the standard for electronics reuse and recycling,” we’re proud of its global adoption and knowing that R2 really is setting the standard, on a global scale.  

SERI ADDS THIRD ACCREDITATION BODY IN JASANZ  

Continuing to build a global network to support the growth of R2, SERI is pleased to announce that the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JASANZ) has signed an agreement to build an accreditation program endorsing R2 in Australia and New Zealand. JASANZ joins ANAB and NABCB as Accreditation Bodies supporting the R2 Standard, expanding the global infrastructure for certification. Stay tuned for information on a kickoff event planned for February 2024. 

WITH A PINS ANNOUNCEMENT AND A CALL FOR TAC MEMBERS, SERI OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ESG REPORTING STANDARD FOR ELECTRONICS  

After more than a year of behind-the-scenes preparation, SERI has officially begun the process of developing an ESG reporting standard for electronics. As an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer, SERI launched the process by posting a formal Project Initiation Notification System (PINS) announcement with ANSI, and now continues with a call for volunteers throughout the electronics value chain to join the multistakeholder Technical Advisory Committee (ESG TAC). It is the ESG TAC that will collaborate to define the scope, structure, and requirements of the Standard. 

For more information on the process or to apply to become a member of the ESG TAC, click below!    

APPENDIX G UPDATE  

For those following the progress of Draft Appendix G - PV Modules, the second public comment period closed on November 20th, and the next step in the process is for the R2 Technical Advisory Committee (R2 TAC) to review the comments during its upcoming meetings.   

Once again, we would like to thank those who contributed to this invaluable process by taking the time to make public comments. It is this process that makes R2 a best-in-class standard. Look for the next Appendix G update in early 2024. 

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE R2 RESOURCE CENTER  

As we approach the end of 2023, we want to thank those who have utilized the marketing material in the R2 Resource Center since its relaunch this summer. We are thrilled to see marketing and sales teams using the tools from the Resource Center to promote their R2 Certification. We also love the interactions in LinkedIn, so please keep tagging us when posting.  

If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit our Resource Center lately, we have added a new batch of resources and assets, including marketing quick-start guides, updated marketing copy points, and more social media templates and post ideas. Give it a look, and if you have any suggestions for additional resources, let us know!  

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our marketing newsletter, specifically targeted toward the marketing and sales teams at facilities. This quarterly(ish) newsletter is our platform to share how we’re talking about R2 to customers on behalf of facilities and how you can reinforce those messages within your communications. We have received some excellent feedback from facilities, so make sure to join our mailing list!   

A HELPFUL R2v3 REMINDER

FROM THE R2 DIRECTOR

REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING PARTS AND COMPONENTS

Remember, to transfer functioning products (including components) to a buyer, the R2 Facility must identify and disclose the appropriate REC (or equivalent) categories for functionality, data sanitization status, and cosmetic condition in accordance with Core 6(e)(2).   

THE POWER OF THE R2 KNOWLEDGE BASE

The R2 Knowledge Base is filled with videos, implementation articles, podcasts, and more helpful resources, all built to support the R2 community through the R2 certification process. 

If you haven’t spent time in the KB in a while, take a look and see what’s new. 

AVAILABLE R2v3 TRAINING CLASSES

NEW TO R2: INTRO TO R2 WEBINAR 

If you want to learn more about R2, join us on our Intro to R2 Webinars. They are held 3-4 times per month and are offered to accommodate time zones on all continents.

R2 AUDITOR TRAINING CLASSES

Looking for in-depth, online, and interactive training on R2v3? These classes are open to auditors, consultants, and facilities. Space is limited so sign up for the class today!

As we look back on the 2023 event schedule, we can’t help but think of the excellent book by Dr. Seuss: “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” And, oh, the many places we went! At times it was a hectic travel schedule, but it was incredibly valuable! We want to send a very sincere thank you to all the great conferences that provided platforms for many thought-provoking conversations and allowed us to connect with some really amazing people who share our passion for electronics sustainability.  

As we have now concluded a full 2023 conference schedule, we are already deep into planning for 2024! Check this space and our LinkedIn account to see where we’ll be, sometimes presenting, sometimes exhibiting, and always engaging. We look forward to challenging and being challenged again in the coming year!  

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