NSF International, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based global public and environmental health organization,says it is the first company to provide certification to the e-Stewards standard in Asia. Recom Ltd., a Hwaseong, South Korea-based company that produces metal materials for recycling, is the first company in Asia to become certified to the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, which was developed by the Basel Action Network (BAN), Seattle. Recom recycles electric and electronic parts scrap through an automated process.
The e-Stewards Standard program has been designed to provide a framework for end-to-end accountability of e-scrap recycling. Earning certification allows Recom to demonstrate to customers that they follow rigorous requirements for responsible electronic recycling, which helps protect human health and safety by diverting hazardous electronic waste and toxic materials from landfills, says NSF International.
Certification to e-Stewards also includes certification to ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems, says NSF International. The ISO 14001 certification is an environmental management standard that allows organizations to identify, control and reduce the environmental impact of their activities and implement a systematic approach to setting environmental objectives, NSF says.
“Helping companies establish and verify e-Stewards-compliant recycling programs is an important part of the NSF International mission,” says Stacey Blazik, program manager for NSF International’s e-waste program. “Responsible recycling of electronics can have a positive impact on human health and the environment, in addition to improving a company’s reputation, operations and business opportunities.”
South Korea is the home to a number of e-Stewards enterprises, including LG and Samsung Electronics. Enterprise organizations commit to using only e-Stewards-certified companies, providing important motivation for recyclers to participate in this valuable program, says NSF.
NSF International bills itself as an independent global organization that writes standards and tests and certifies products for the construction, food, water, health sciences and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment.
Recom Inc. established its first e-scrap facility in South Korea in 1997 and says it has a goal of preserving environmental values and that it recognizes the importance of ensuring responsible management of electronic scrap.
E-Stewards recyclers undergo third-party audits annually designed to ensure they do not export hazardous byproducts to developing nations or dump in municipal landfills. E-Stewards recyclers also pledge to ensure that confidential data are secure and that operations protect workers and the environment.
The e-Stewards Standard program has been designed to provide a framework for end-to-end accountability of e-scrap recycling. Earning certification allows Recom to demonstrate to customers that they follow rigorous requirements for responsible electronic recycling, which helps protect human health and safety by diverting hazardous electronic waste and toxic materials from landfills, says NSF International.
Certification to e-Stewards also includes certification to ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems, says NSF International. The ISO 14001 certification is an environmental management standard that allows organizations to identify, control and reduce the environmental impact of their activities and implement a systematic approach to setting environmental objectives, NSF says.
“Helping companies establish and verify e-Stewards-compliant recycling programs is an important part of the NSF International mission,” says Stacey Blazik, program manager for NSF International’s e-waste program. “Responsible recycling of electronics can have a positive impact on human health and the environment, in addition to improving a company’s reputation, operations and business opportunities.”
South Korea is the home to a number of e-Stewards enterprises, including LG and Samsung Electronics. Enterprise organizations commit to using only e-Stewards-certified companies, providing important motivation for recyclers to participate in this valuable program, says NSF.
NSF International bills itself as an independent global organization that writes standards and tests and certifies products for the construction, food, water, health sciences and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment.
Recom Inc. established its first e-scrap facility in South Korea in 1997 and says it has a goal of preserving environmental values and that it recognizes the importance of ensuring responsible management of electronic scrap.
E-Stewards recyclers undergo third-party audits annually designed to ensure they do not export hazardous byproducts to developing nations or dump in municipal landfills. E-Stewards recyclers also pledge to ensure that confidential data are secure and that operations protect workers and the environment.