Dr. Sandip Chatterjee, Senior Advisor at Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) highlighted the critical role of certifications and global standards in shaping the e-scrap recycling sector, during a webinar organised by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) and SERI. The first in a six-part series focused on creating an awareness on various international certifications and how structured frameworks enhance professionalism, ensure compliance, and contribute to the circular economy by optimizing resource recovery and reducing environmental impact.

Chatterjee threw light on the certifications such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), and R2v3 (Responsible Recycling) provide recyclers and refurbishers with structured guidelines that not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance business credibility.

As India positions itself as a key player in the global e-waste market, he underscored the importance of Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) policies. These policies promote responsible collection, handling, and recycling of electronic scrap, while ensuring compliance with international sustainability standards.

Chatterjee pointed out that data security and material recovery will play a crucial role in the industry’s future. Secure data destruction practices, combined with optimized extraction of valuable materials like gold, silver, and rare earth metals, will determine the sustainability and profitability of e-waste recycling enterprises.
Understanding R2 Standards and their Benefits

The R2v3 Standard, developed by SERI, provides guidelines on data sanitization, environmental impact reduction, worker safety, and end-of-life product management. By adopting R2 certification, recyclers can not only improve operational efficiency but also expand their market reach by gaining trust from both consumers and corporations, he said.

Companies adhering to R2v3 are better equipped to navigate India’s evolving e-scrap policies, ensuring compliance with both domestic regulations and international best practices. This alignment is particularly crucial as the Indian government strengthens its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies to enforce greater accountability among manufacturers and recyclers, he noted. 

As India accelerates its digital transformation, the need for a well-regulated e-scrap management framework becomes increasingly vital. By embracing globally recognized certifications and adhering to responsible recycling practices, the industry can drive material recovery, reduce environmental impact, and foster a truly circular economy, he concluded.