HOBI Weekly Blog Recap (7/24-27/26)

Below is a weekly recap of this week’s blog posts including new initiatives to lower certification barriers, how to achieve ESG goals with diversity spend, details on why the electronics market may have collapsed, and details regarding the recent Senate hearing over e-waste recycling and reuse. 

SERI Develops Initiatives to Lower Certification Barriers 

The transition deadline for R2v3 certification passed last month, and many businesses in the industry are now certified to the new standards. However, it may be more difficult to achieve for smaller businesses, and SERI is planning programs, including mentoring initiatives, to help smaller companies move toward certification and build a more equitable recycling network. SERI, the organization responsible for overseeing the R2 standard, plans to connect R2-certified facilities with facilities working toward certification to help guide them through the process.  

Achieve ESG Goals with Diversity Spend 

ESG reporting is now a prerequisite for many businesses seeking vendors and partners. ESG goals can help an enterprise provide transparency and accountability within the workplace. ESG reporting helps an organization expand its horizons, find sustainable solutions, and practice inclusivity and diversity.

Has the Electronics Market Collapsed?

The electronics market started to decline in production in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and recent data indicates consumers are not purchasing new electronics at the same rate as previous years. According to IDC, the first quarter of 2023 experienced the lowest shipping rates for smartphones since 2013. During the second quarter of 2023, only 269 million units were shipped, and that number is expected to drop later this year.

HOBI President Provides Senate Testimony Over E-Waste Recycling and Reuse 
HOBI president and co-founder Craig Boswell testified this week before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Boswell addressed the needs of improving critical mineral recovery capacity through electronic waste, recycling, and reuse.