DIGEST

Your streamlined roundup of R2 news, updates, and industry insights. 

HELLO AND WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF OUR R2 DIGEST!

We're happy to be back, bringing you all the important information from in and around the R2 Community. We hope you'll find the combination of the new format and timely emails gives you the information you need, exactly when you need it. We'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to drop us a note at Marketing@SustainableElectronics.org.

Thanks, and happy reading!

R2 CERTIFICATION

PROTECTING THE 
VALUE OF R2 CERTIFICATION 

As is true with certifications in other industries, there will always be bad actors attempting to use R2 Certification to mask their true actions, as well as facilities that either can’t or won’t meet the high bar set by R2 but still want the benefits. We also know that the value of R2 Certification lies in the confidence that it separates the facilities that follow best practices and embrace continuous improvement from all the rest.  

This is why beginning in 2024 SERI significantly increased our Assurance efforts to keep those who don’t meet R2’s requirements out of the program. 

We will issue a full report of our Assurance activities at the end of the year, but in light of BAN’s recently released report, we wanted to give the R2 community a preview of some of the outcomes from our Assurance activities in 2025. These result from a combination of increased scrutiny of license applications, package reviews, spot inspections, auditor reviews, and investigations originating from outside tips.  

To date in 2025: 

• SERI declined 8 license applications 
• SERI terminated 5 licenses 
• Certification Bodies (CB) revoked 51 R2 Certificates 
• 5 auditors were removed from the R2 auditor pool 
• 23 1(d) letters were issued to stop non-certified companies from advertising R2 Certification. 
• 3 companies were added to the 1(d) list 

As a reminder, the best way to check the status of any facility is to use the R2 Directory on the SERI website, which is updated continuously. 

The numbers demonstrate that the R2 Assurance program is delivering real, tangible results, but the work doesn't stop here, and we will continue working to improve confidence in the R2 Network.  

REMINDER

VERIFY YOUR CERTIFICATION BODY

As R2 continues growing globally, more certification bodies claim to offer R2 Certification. Invalid certificates put your business relationships and the R2 brand at risk. ONLY certificates from SERI-approved CBs are valid. Before working with any CB, confirm they're on our approved list!  

UPDATE

R2 TIPLINE NOW AVAILABLE

Have tips or complaints about an R2 Certified facility, consultants, auditors, or CBs?

AUDITOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR FM MANAGEMENT PLANS

The most recent Auditor R2 Continuing Education training was on the FM Management Plan. Make sure your Facility's FM Management Plan adheres to all the requirements of Core Requirement 8 - Focus Materials. 

INTERNATIONAL

NEW HONG KONG ELECTRONIC WASTE EXPORT RULES

Shipping used electronics to or through Hong Kong? New permit requirements started in January 2025. This affects commercial import/export operations only, not general recycling activities. Sorted recyclables and working equipment are exempt. 

ELECTRONICS SUSTAINBILITY SUMMIT 2025

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MINNEAPOLIS 

Minneapolis brought together the electronics sustainability community for collaboration and innovation. Catch up on the highlights: 

CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS

E-SCRAP CONFERENCE

Grapevine, Texas, October 27-29 - Connect with SERI's R2 Director Jesse Glasshoff, who will be attending to engage with the recycling community.

CONTACT

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