Provided is a weekly snapshot of the recent reverse logistics, battery and plastic waste related news that HOBI’s blog reported during the week 1/21-1/25.

Reverse logistics ensures mobile asset management accountability
As technology advances, more enterprises are opting to embrace mobile into their operations. And in doing so, there has been a rise in Choose Your Own Device (CYOD) policies, which means enterprises will be investing in mobile asset management specialists to consult them through the implementation, repair, data management, refurbishment and recycling of corporate mobile devices. And one of the main priorities for enterprises pairing with a mobile asset manager should be choosing a firm that employs reverse logistics operations.
Feds dedicate millions towards lithium-ion battery recycling efforts
The race to recycle lithium-ion batteries is on full speed after the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a recycling prize of $5.5 million to the companies who can advance recycling technology for this material. The prize will be awarded in three parts of the course of three years. In addition, the DOE has also announced they will put forth an additional $15 million for a research center focused on batteries. With more consumer gadgets utilizing these batteries, it only makes sense that the industry is focused on how to efficiently manufacturer, handle and dispose of these devices.
Nurdle: The tiny plastic pellet threatening the planet
You probably haven’t heard of a nurdle before, but these funny sounding things are all around us. Nurdles are tiny pellets of plastic resin that are no bigger than a pencil eraser that are used to make some of our most common items: plastic packaging, plastic straws, disposal water bottles and a variety of other typical targets of environmental action. They also happen to be the latest threat to the planet. Billions of these little pellets get lost in production and often find their way into our water sources – which sets off a chain reaction of negative impacts.
Apple’s solution for sluggish iPhone batteries
After admitting to purposefully slowing down batteries of aged iPhone models and briefly providing a $29 battery replacement program for affected iPhone models, Apple is still heavily dealing with consumer complaints on iPhone models. And after being hit with more than 10 times as many battery replacements as predicted, Apple has come up with a new solution to get consumers to upgrade. The company has just announced a smart battery case that will be compatible with iPhone XS, XS Max and XR models and will boost enough power to keep your phone going for another day and a half.