Background: A global technology company sought ERM’s expertise following increased awareness of the global e-waste problem and rising recognition that vendors in their value chain needed greater oversight to verify responsible materials management.  Our client identified the need to assess their reverse supply chain vendors to determine compliance, transparency, and sustainability impacts, and wanted a partner that could optimize compliance actions and springboard that effort to drive a progressive circular economy agenda, internally and externally by ultimately recreating a responsible reverse supply chain. Once the framework was in place, the client requested support to implement the program and track KPIs to be included in their annual Sustainability Impact Report.

ERM’s Role: Client wanted a partner that could optimize compliance actions and springboard that effort to drive a progressive circular economy agenda, internally and externally by ultimately creating a responsible reverse supply chain.

Through this engagement, ERM stabilized the existing e-waste management program and used it as a springboard to advance their circular economy ambition creating business resiliency and reliability. ERM then implemented the program globally, executing 130+ audits in more than 30 countries annually, providing turnkey support on audit delivery and corrective action management.

Impact: This framework drives advancement of a responsible and circular supply chain, laying the foundation for a global program that aligns with the client’s product and client footprint. Aligned with the audit program, the client can now realize their circularity vision with responsible governance and oversight for their supply chain.