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R2 NEWSLETTER: SEPTEMBER 2024

JOIN US IN AUSTIN IN THREE WEEKS

Hello, R2 community! This month's newsletter puts a spotlight on the Electronics Sustainability Summit (eSummit) taking place October 22-24 in Austin, TX. While the event covers a broad range of topics, we want to highlight the significant value and focus it offers for the electronics reuse and recycling industry.  

  

The eSummit provides a wealth of opportunities for industry professionals through its informative sessions, networking events, expo hall, and countless informal interactions. It's designed to help you gain insights, make connections, and advance your business goals in a dynamic, collaborative environment. 


We really do hope we'll see you in Austin!

WE'VE GOT A PACKED 3-DAY AGENDA AND SPEAKERS SLATED FOR eSUMMIT 2024

The inaugural eSummit  presents a unique opportunity for the entire R2 community (that means you!) to engage with thought leaders, learn about emerging trends, and contribute to shaping a more sustainable electronics industry.   

 

The eSummit agenda explores crucial topics across the entire electronics lifecycle, including design for sustainability, repair and reuse strategies, responsible recycling, and circular economy innovations. Speakers include representatives from major tech companies, recycling organizations, government agencies, and non-profits, offering diverse perspectives on the future of electronics sustainability.  

 

We’re very excited to be able to hold many big-picture discussions, but we haven’t forgotten about the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that shape our industry.   

  

Explore the full Agenda and be sure to check out these can't-miss industry-focused sessions:  

  

We're also thrilled to announce a new addition to the pre-Summit lineup:  


Accelerating the Transition to a Circular Economy in Consumer Electronics  


This session will focus on accelerating the transition to a circular economy in consumer electronic products and analyze how policy, technology, market, and logistics-related enabling factors affect the viability of circular models in the sector. It will also outline an ongoing report requested by the G7 and commissioned by the United Nations Environment Programme’s International Resource Panel (IRP), led by IRP member Nabil Nasr. The IRP report’s initial recommendations to policymakers and decision-makers will be discussed, and attendees will have an opportunity to provide their input and feedback.  

  

And all these great sessions are just the tip of the iceberg. The eSummit is also about making connections that count. Our expo floor and numerous networking events are perfect for meeting fellow industry pros, potential partners, and the movers and shakers in our field. Don't miss out on this chance to dive deep into the real-world issues facing the electronics industry while expanding your professional network. 


LEARN MORE

MOBILE REPAIR DAY: LEVEL UP YOUR REPAIR BUSINESS

Attention mobile repair pros! Don't miss Mobile Repair Day at eSummit 2024 on Tuesday, October 22. This exclusive event is geared specifically toward mobile repair shops and is designed to help you take your repair business to the next level. 

What's in store: 

  • Expert-led sessions on business growth, OEM relationships, and industry challenges 
  • Insights on data security and privacy management 
  • Updates on the latest repair legislation 
  • Networking with fellow repair shop owners and industry leaders 

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the field, Mobile Repair Day offers invaluable knowledge and connections to help your business thrive. Join us for a day of learning, networking, and innovation! 


SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE

JOIN SERI FOR KEY INDUSTRY MEETINGS AT eSUMMIT 2024

We're hosting two important meetings during eSummit 2024, offering unique opportunities to observe industry discussions and standard development processes. 

  • R2 TAC Meeting - Oct 22, 8-10 am: Observe discussions on pertinent industry topics shaping the future of electronics reuse and recycling. Share your thoughts during the public comment period. 
  • SERI ESG TAC Meeting - Oct 22, 10:30 am-2:30 pm: Witness the ongoing development of a standard for ESG reporting throughout the electronics value chain. 

Meetings are open to all eSummit attendees. If you are not an eSummit attendee but would like to attend, you may acquire a free TAC meeting attendance badge at the eSummit registration booth. 

SEE OTHER PRE-SUMMIT MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS

THIS eSUMMIT TIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY PLATINUM SPONSOR

WHEN IN AUSTIN, PAIR THE eSUMMIT WITH SOME LIVE MUSIC! 

As the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas, doesn't fall short on the list of places to experience all different styles of music. There are hundreds of places to experience live music throughout the city, featuring everything from rock and blues to country and hip-hop — every night of the week. A trip to Austin just isn't complete without a little live music.  

Continental Club


The granddaddy of live music venues, the Continental Club has enjoyed a coast-to-coast and worldwide reputation as the premiere club for live music in Austin since 1955.   

The Roosevelt Room


A '20s-inspired cocktail bar and music venue with two full bars, a large dance floor, full stage, DJ Booth, PA system, and a large mezzanine with a balcony overlooking the downstairs bar.

Antone’s Nightclub


Since opening on Sixth Street in 1975, his club has hosted the likes of B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The legendary club has moved to the corner of Fifth and Lavaca streets but remains the home of the blues in Austin.

MORE LIVE MUSIC OPTIONS

R2 IMPACT WORKING GROUP UPDATE: MEASURING OUR COLLECTIVE SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

The R2 Impact Measurement Working Group has officially launched with its kickoff meeting in September. This dedicated team is now actively collaborating to develop SERI's first-ever Impact Report, which will showcase the positive contributions of R2 Certified Facilities and our industry. As the group progresses, we look forward to sharing key developments and insights with the R2 community. Stay tuned for future updates on this initiative that will help highlight our industry's role in creating a more sustainable future for electronics. 

R2 TIP: APPENDIX C REQUIREMENTS FOR TEST RECORDS 


Producing a record of the testing process is essential to knowing that the work was done and that the electronic device or component is functional and can be reused. That’s why R2 Facilities certified to Appendix C-Test and Repair must produce and maintain records of test results for each function tested and each unique equipment identifier assigned. Found in Appendix C(4)(e), this requirement is designed to produce a trail of evidence, although the methods of record production (automated versus manual) and storage (electronic or paper) are left up to facilities to determine. Facility staff will likely want to reference the records during their quality assurance activities, which are a key part of an R2 Reuse Plan, and auditors can use the evidence to assess conformance to Appendix C. And remember, Core 3-EH&S Management System requires that the testing records must be maintained for at least three years. 

LEARN MORE

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.

RECENTLY ADDED TO THE KNOWLEDGE BASE

PV MODULE HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION: A recently added Q&A discusses the hazards identification and electrical safety risk assessment requirements of Appendix G-Photovoltaic (PV) Modules and how they differ from the hazards assessment required by Core 3. 

AVAILABLE R2 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 multiple times per month and are offered to accommodate time zones on all continents.

October 8, 9, 10, 15 at various times around the world


Find a day and time the works best for you before, during, or after your normal workday.  

R2 AUDITOR TRAINING

Looking for in-depth, online, and interactive training on R2? These classes are open to auditors, consultants, and facilities. We have a range of class schedules to accommodate different time zones, including Mumbai in September and London in October. Space is limited, so sign up for the class today!

October Auditor Training – October 28-31, 2:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. BST (London)

December Auditor Training – December 2-5, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET (New York)

EVENTS:

CHAMPIONING ELECTRONICS SUSTAINABILITY AROUND THE WORLD

Each month, we let you know where we’re going and what conversations we’re having for two reasons. First, we hope you’ll catch up with us if you plan to be in the same places. But even more importantly, we want everyone to know how and where we are sharing our message, talking about electronics sustainability for a global circular economy and, in many cases, how R2 fits as a part of the puzzle. We see educating all the decision-makers to make better choices as a big part of the journey to electronics sustainability. 

 

Where we're headed next:

Check this space and our LinkedIn account to see where we’ll be next. 

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?


Let us know what questions you have or what resources you would find valuable. The SERI Team is here to help!

CONTACT US

The R2 Newsletter is a publication of SERI, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to create a world where electronic products are reused and recycled in a way that promotes resource preservation, the well-being of the natural environment, and the health and safety of workers and communities.

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