Nominations open for 2025 SERI ReThink Awards

SERI, Sustainable Electronics Recycling International, has announced the inaugural ReThink Awards, recognizing organizations creating systems-level impact in electronics sustainability through innovation and bold thinking. 

The ReThink Awards celebrate the disruptors, challengers and visionaries reimagining what's possible in electronics sustainability beyond incremental improvements to forge new paths, according to SERI, which is based in Seattle. The ReThink Awards spotlight ideas and initiatives that challenge conventional approaches across the electronics life cycle.

"A truly circular ecosystem for electronics demands more than just better versions of what we've always done—it requires completely rethinking our assumptions and practices," says Jeff Seibert, SERI chief provocateur. "With the ReThink Awards, we're shining a spotlight on the trailblazers who are questioning everything, taking action and inspiring the entire industry to think differently and break from the status quo."

SERI is seeking annual nominations from across the electronics value chain, including designers, manufacturers, refurbishers, recyclers and policy advocates. Ideal candidates are those introducing transformative approaches that challenge industry conventions, create circular solutions, extend product life cycles and inspire broader change in electronics sustainability.

According to SERI, nominees will be evaluated based on the specific actions taken that demonstrate thinking differently, the measurable impact achieved within their organization or the industry and how their initiative positively affects the sustainability of electronics. The award, has no geographic barriers, and nominations are open regardless of location.

"The ReThink Awards aren't just about recognizing great ideas—they're about creating impact and inspiring a movement," Seibert says. "By showcasing these breakthrough approaches, we hope to spark even more innovation and accelerate the transition to truly sustainable electronics."

Winners will be announced and celebrated at the eSummit in Minneapolis in September, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations before hundreds of industry peers and receive their award. The eSummit is an annual event that brings together the brightest minds and the most forward-thinking companies to make every facet of the electronics industry more sustainable, SERI says.

In a creative twist, the physical awards tell a story of reinvention. For the 2025 awards, SERI has partnered with found-object artist Steve Heller, who has transformed electronic components donated by PAR Recycle Works, Philadelphia, into artistic pieces that symbolically turn what many would consider worthless into works of art.

Organizations can self-nominate or be nominated by third parties through June 30. For more information on the ReThink Awards, including nomination criteria and submission guidelines, visit the SERI ReThink page.