Beyondly and WRAP Collaborate to Address E-Waste Challenges
In celebration of International E-waste Day, Beyondly is proud to announce a collaboration with WRAP to tackle the growing issue of e-waste. This important partnership aims to accelerate Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) collection rates in the UK through crucial research and strategic initiatives.
As part of this collaboration, Beyondly has provided funding for the research project through its annual Fund for Change grant scheme, demonstrating its commitment to being a business for good. This initiative reflects Beyondly's dedication to making a positive impact by donating 5% of its annual profits to support projects addressing environmental, social, and governance issues.
WRAP, a global environmental action NGO focused on transforming our broken product and food systems to create Circular Living, will be collaborating with Beyondly on this research project. The project will build on WRAP's existing citizen research on small WEEE, with the aim of identifying and testing options to enhance WEEE collection by gaining a better understanding of the barriers and opportunities in EU markets where WEEE collection rates are significantly higher than those in the UK.
The research findings from this project will help contribute to the acceleration of WEEE collection rates in the UK, aligned with the aim of the upcoming WEEE EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) reform. Beyondly, as a leading B Corp environmental compliance scheme, recognises the significance of addressing e-waste challenges in the UK and is eager to leverage the outcomes of this research.
This collaborative effort between Beyondly and WRAP marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by e-waste and comes at a pivotal time as the UK prepares for WEEE EPR reform.
“WRAP is excited about working with Beyondly to tackle the growing amount of e-waste and ensure valuable resources are not lost from the economy.
The UN has labelled e-waste as the fastest growing domestic and commercial waste stream in the world. The production of 1kg of electronics results in the emission of 25kg of carbon into the atmosphere and only 17% of e-waste is properly recycled. Current e-waste recovery rates cannot match the global demand of gold, silver, platinum, indium, or palladium, all of which are endangered elements.
From all EU/EFTA countries and the UK, the UK has the second worst e-waste collection rate compared to the volume of electronics placed on the market in the preceding three years and we need to change this. We are looking forward to building on our existing behaviour change insights to develop solutions that deliver systemic change and make it easier for people to take part in Circular Living. This collaboration brings together the unique knowledge and talents of our organisations”
Jordan Girling, Head of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Stay tuned for further updates on this impactful partnership between Beyondly and WRAP as they work towards making a positive difference in the management of e-waste and the promotion of circular living.