Background: Due to increased awareness of the global e-waste problem and rising recognition that vendors in their value chain needed greater scrutiny and oversight to make sure they were managing materials in a responsible and safe way, the technology client identified the need to assess their reverse supply chain vendors to determine compliance, transparency, and sustainability impacts. They requested support in developing a rigorous standard for their vendors and a risk framework to establish the most efficient method for deployment. Once in place, they needed support to manage the program and track KPIs to be included in their annual Sustainability Impact Report.
ERM’s Role: ERM co-developed an audit methodology and risk framework for the client to deploy an effective auditing program. Types of facilities audited include hardware recyclers, hardware reuse/refurbishing waste ink and toner processors, and pyrolysis/gasification for plastics recovery facilities. ERM continued to evolve the audit protocol to accommodate new requirements from updated policies and procedures, updates to industry standards, as well as incorporation of requirements from the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), Responsible Recycling (R2), and the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA).
ERM managed the program, trained suppliers, performed audits in accordance with annual plans, tracked audit results and other KPIs, and oversaw the closure of audit findings.
Impact: ERM’s partnership with the client provides the client with a comprehensive understanding of their reverse supply chain risks and opportunities and how they impact the company’s existing management and operating systems. The resulting information increased the client’s internal knowledge and informed their planning for vendor selection and management in ever-changing global markets. In addition, ERM’s ongoing support enables the client to achieve their stated sustainability goals (by 2030) for product takeback and recycling while minimizing potential business risks and elevating their corporate reputation.
