Sony Electronics receives e-Stewards Enterprise designation

Sony Electronics agreed to third-party audits, unannounced inspections and use of e-scrap tracking devices to receive its e-Stewards Enterprise title.

Seattle-based Basel Action Network’s (BAN's) e-Stewards standard disallows exporting hazardous electronic scrap to developing countries and employs the “most rigorous criteria” to prevent data breaches from discarded hardware. Beyond Sony Electronics’ recycling efforts, Sony’s vision is to aim for a zero environmental footprint by 2050 to conserve resources and curb climate change.

“We joined the e-Stewards program not just because of its terrific recycling standard, but also because it offers a full life-cycle environmental stewardship program complete with a community of partners that supports an OEM’s (original equipment manufacturer's) broader sustainability goals and interests,” says Doug Smith, director of environment, safety and health at Sony Electronics. “For that reason, it is a natural fit for Sony.”

E-Stewards offers a package of partnership programs, including the e-Stewards Digital Equity program, which fosters reuse for community good by refurbishing computers for the needy, and a partnership with National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), Phoenix, to enhance responsible data management. Last year, e-Stewards also began offering Enterprise companies the EarthEye GPS tracking program as an adjunct program to ensure downstream due diligence.

“It is particularly rewarding to see Sony, a leading expert and manufacturer of electronic products, after many years of close observation, choose to support e-Stewards in its efforts to improve stewardship of the entire electronics industry and marketplace,” BAN Founding Executive Director Jim Puckett says. “As they are electronics industry pioneers, their embrace speaks volumes.”