EPEAT starts supplier engagement program

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) has launched a supplier engagement program (SEP) for its EPEAT registry and platform, which includes circularity and sustainable use of resources among its registry criteria.

The SEP equips suppliers of EPEAT-participating manufacturers with resources to help meet the updated EPEAT criteria, drive responsible manufacturing practices and position themselves as indispensable partners to leading electronics brands, according to the Portland, Oregon-based GEC.

“Brands can’t achieve their sustainability goals alone; it takes a connected, capable supply chain,” says Bob Mitchell, CEO of GEC. “The SEP for EPEAT further enables suppliers as partners in sustainable product development, giving them the tools and recognition they need to lead alongside EPEAT participating manufacturers.”

GEC says more than 40 percent of its updated EPEAT criteria extend into the supply chain, requiring more collaboration with EPEAT participating manufacturers and their suppliers to achieve EPEAT product registration.

Attached to the SEP, GEC plans to offer exclusive live and on-demand webinars pertaining to EPEAT and to offer recognition for participating suppliers, “signaling leadership in responsible, sustainable electronics.”

The SEP is open to all Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers of EPEAT participating manufacturers in the electronics value chain, regardless of size, product category or location.

“Asus is very excited about this new opportunity to streamline value chain training on the new EPEAT criteria and increase supplier collaboration to boost further development of sustainable electronics,” GEC quotes a representative from that company as saying.