What is R2v3?
The R2v3 standard was published by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) in July 2020 and is the second major revision or upgrade to the R2 standard since 2013, when the first revision published.
R2v3 certification is a voluntary sustainability standard that certifies responsible electronics processors. IT asset managers who partner with ITAD companies with R2v3 certified infrastructure can have increased confidence that their sensitive data will be destroyed, valuable electronic devices remaining will be reused and their assets will not end up in a landfill or landfill midway. around the world.
Additionally, ITAD companies with R2v3 certification are in a stronger position to assure customers that their waste management and data destruction practices are effective.
Why is R2v3 important?
Properly managing end-of-life laptops, desktops, tablets, enterprise devices, data center cloud devices, and smartphones involves a series of decisions. and carefully managed processes spanning multiple risk areas. R2v3 places special emphasis on minimizing the following two risks:
Data protection
Businesses may consider security their top priority for as long as they own the electronic devices that hold the data, but many organizations mistakenly believe that their risks end once the devices are sold. or transfer to a third party.
Third Annual Ponemon Institute Study:
Data Risk in the Third-Party Ecosystem found that among more
than 1,000 CIOs and security professionals surveyed, nearly 60% of respondents had experienced a data breach caused by an outside service provider. third cause.
Several studies in recent years have also found that many used electronics sold on popular online marketplaces have not had their data properly filtered, including corporate emails, spreadsheets, financial projections, personal identifiers and other proprietary and sensitive information. R2v3 certified facilities minimize risk and damage to the brand by undergoing rigorous annual inspections performed by an accredited third-party certification agency. This annual audit verifies that they comply with industry best practices for data security, sterilization, and electronics durability, as established in the R2v3 standard.
Environmental risks
According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report, 53.6 million tons of e-waste were generated last year, of which only 17.4% was recycled. The remainder is largely thrown away or burned, losing much of the value of the precious metals and raw materials contained in the equipment and causing enormous damage to the environment as well as public health and safety.
Choosing an R2 certified facility can play an important role in a company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) plans. By design, the R2 standard is designed for a sustainable circular economy. Therefore, using R2v3 certified facilities will help companies achieve their sustainability goals.
Structurally, the R2 standard is deliberately aligned with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable development. R2 certified facilities must reuse electronic devices when possible and recover recyclable materials (even if recycling costs more than disposing of the device).
Thanks to this continuous approach, the R2 standard has been moving towards a sustainable circular economy for over 10 years, bridging the digital divide with refurbished electronics and protecting the environment through responsible activities.
Because the R2 standard is not just a management system but also focuses on results, R2 certification creates a governance mechanism to verify that used electronics are handled responsibly and sustainable. Almost every business in the world uses electronic equipment (IT assets). As businesses upgrade their IT assets, they can pursue their ESG goals simply by choosing an R2 certified vendor to carry out the process.
When did R2v3 replace R2:2013?
According to SERI, starting January 1, 2022, all recertifications must comply with the R2v3 standard. Therefore, the expiration date for R2 is:
The transition schedule will be determined by the individual facility's 2013 certification. R2v3 requires that all non-conformities be resolved and closed before an R2v3 certificate is issued. The best way to ensure a smooth transition to R2v3 is to prepare early. SERI offers supportive resources to ease this transition.
What was the reason behind obtaining these certifications?
Given the importance of safeguarding private information and addressing the detrimental impact of e-waste on our environment, we felt it was crucial to certify our process. Acquiring the R2v3 certification involved a lengthy and meticulous procedure, which included a comprehensive audit of our facility. The ultimate outcome enables us to offer transparency to our clients who seek to assess and manage their environmental footprint, as well as guarantee the security of their data or hardware after it departs from our premises.
What is the importance of your ITAD partner having it?
The R2v3 certification guarantees the proper handling of your IT equipment, particularly those containing sensitive data. To maintain this certification, an ITAD company must undergo thorough annual audits. These audits assess warehouse operations, documentation practices, and provide evidence of the destination for your recycled equipment. Ensure that your ITAD partner is certified in R2 and actively working towards obtaining R2v3 certification.
Advantages | R2v3 Certified | Not R2v3 Certified |
Safeguarding Brand Identity | ✔ | ✘ |
Ensured Data Integrity | ✔ | ✘ |
Monitoring Throughput | ✔ | ✘ |
​Ensuring Recycling Accountability | ✔ | ✘ |
Reduced Environmental Risk | ✔ | ✘ |
Verified Third-Party Evaluation | ✔ | ✘ |
Learn more about the R2v3 standard and how it can benefit you by visiting the Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) website.
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