Samsung Named e-Stewards Strategic Initiatives Champion

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., has been recognized with an e-Stewards Strategic Initiatives Champion Award for its recent contributions toward the advancement of the e-Stewards mission, which defines and promotes ethical and responsible electronics reuse and recycling best practices worldwide. With Samsung’s financial support, e-Stewards has been able to develop a shorter version of the e-Stewards Standard specifically for the segment of the recycling industry involved in Repair and Refurbishment and to begin initiatives within our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) program.

An e-Stewards Enterprise company since 2010, Samsung has been a long-time supporter of the e-Stewards initiative and mission, which brings together electronics processors, electronics manufacturers, NGOs, and government organizations, who all share the same values as champions of responsible recycling. Samsung has also been an active voice on the e-Stewards Leadership Council since its inception.

“Samsung values innovation and sustainability in all its products and processes, while seeking to empower partners aiming to do the same,” said Sangseop Han, Vice President & Head of the Samsung Electronics North America Customer Satisfaction Team. “e-Stewards is a perfect example of these ideals, and we hope that Samsung’s support has helped broaden the reach of the e-Stewards mission.”

With Samsung’s support, e-Stewards created two new initiatives that broaden the scope of the e-Stewards. At the 2023 Information Technology Asset Disposition (ITAD) Summit this past July, e-Stewards announced the development of a shorter version of the e-Stewards Standard with Samsung’s backing. Geared toward the growing segment of the ITAD industry made up of companies focused on the repair and refurbishment of electronics, this new Standard will provide these companies with the accountability that e-Stewards certification offers with regard to data security, downstream due diligence, and the prevention of illegal and harmful export of non-functional hazardous equipment to developing countries. After completing its development and public comment period last year, the new Standard is now in its final phases of accreditation and approvals, with its official publication in the near future.

Samsung has also backed the research and development of tools to enhance the ESG efforts of the e-Stewards community. With these tools, e-Stewards hopes to enhance its offerings to both their certified Processors and Enterprises, allowing them to better communicate and quantify the benefits of using e-Stewards certified partners.

“Samsung has helped e-Stewards lay the groundwork for new areas of our growth,” says Prema George, e-Stewards Enterprise and ESG Director. “Samsung is the first of what we hope will be many more Strategic Initiatives Partners that will allow us to broaden our reach and scope in future.”

Samsung will be presented with a sculpture made of recycled glass for its generous investment in the e-Stewards mission of furthering the most ethical and responsible electronics recycling worldwide.