SERI Launches ReThink Awards to Honor Innovations in Electronics Sustainability

The Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) has announced the opening of nominations for the 2025 ReThink Awards, a new initiative designed to honor those making significant strides in electronics sustainability. This awards program seeks to highlight organizations that are not just improving existing processes but are fundamentally rethinking how electronics are designed, manufactured, refurbished, and recycled to achieve a more sustainable lifecycle.

Jeff Seibert, SERI’s Chief Provocateur, emphasized the need for radical innovation in the electronics industry. '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,' Seibert stated. The ReThink Awards are set to spotlight those who are leading this charge, challenging conventional approaches and inspiring the industry to adopt more sustainable practices.

Nominations are open to a wide range of participants across the electronics value chain, including designers, manufacturers, refurbishers, recyclers, and policy advocates. The criteria for evaluation include the novelty of the approach, the measurable impact of the initiative, and its contribution to the broader goal of electronics sustainability. Importantly, the awards have no geographic restrictions, welcoming nominations from around the globe.

The winners will be announced at the eSummit in Minneapolis this September, an event that gathers industry leaders to discuss and advance sustainability in electronics. In a unique twist, the awards themselves will be crafted from recycled electronic components by artist Steve Heller, symbolizing the transformation and value that can be found in what is often considered waste.

The ReThink Awards represent a significant step forward in recognizing and encouraging innovation in electronics sustainability. By highlighting these transformative ideas and initiatives, SERI hopes to inspire further innovation and accelerate the industry's transition to more sustainable practices. The deadline for nominations is June 30, 2025, offering organizations a chance to showcase their contributions to a more sustainable future for electronics.