Washington, DC, USA – June 4, 2025
SERI is pleased to announce the inaugural ReThink Awards, recognizing organizations creating systems-level impact in electronics sustainability through groundbreaking innovation and bold thinking.
The ReThink Awards celebrate the disruptors, challengers, and visionaries reimagining what's possible in electronics sustainability beyond incremental improvements to forge entirely new paths. The ReThink Awards spotlight transformative ideas and initiatives that fundamentally challenge conventional approaches across the electronics lifecycle.
"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," said Jeff Seibert, SERI’s Chief Provocateur. "With the ReThink Awards, we're shining a spotlight on the trailblazers who are questioning everything, taking action, and inspiring the entire industry to think differently and break from the status quo."
SERI is seeking annual nominations from across the electronics value chain - including designers, manufacturers, refurbishers, recyclers, and policy advocates. Ideal candidates are those introducing transformative approaches that challenge industry conventions, create circular solutions, extend product lifecycles, and inspire broader change in electronics sustainability.
Nominees will be evaluated based on the specific actions taken that demonstrate thinking differently, the measurable impact achieved within their organization or the industry, and how their initiative positively affects the sustainability of electronics. And there are no geographic barriers to the award – nominations are open regardless of borders.
"The ReThink Awards aren't just about recognizing great ideas—they're about creating impact and inspiring a movement," added Seibert. "By showcasing these breakthrough approaches, we hope to spark even more innovation and accelerate the transition to truly sustainable electronics."
Winners will be announced and celebrated at the eSummit in Minneapolis this September, where they'll have the opportunity to showcase their innovations before hundreds of industry peers and receive their one-of-a-kind award. The eSummit is an annual event that brings together the brightest minds and the most forward-thinking companies to make every facet of the electronics industry more sustainable.
eSummit
In a creative twist that embodies the spirit of transformation, the physical awards themselves tell a compelling story of reinvention. For the 2025 awards, SERI has partnered with found-object artist Steve Heller, who has transformed electronic components donated by PAR Recycle Works into stunning artistic pieces that symbolically turn what many would consider worthless into valuable works of art.
Steve Heller
Organizations can self-nominate or be nominated by third parties through June 30, 2025. For more information on the ReThink Awards, including nomination criteria and submission guidelines, please visit the SERI ReThink page.
About SERI
SERI is a global non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in the United States with a mission to champion and drive the sustainable use, reuse, and recycling of electronics globally. SERI has numerous programs working to protect the planet and enrich lives by championing sustainable actions throughout the entire electronics lifecycle, including the R2 Standard for responsible electronics reuse and recycling, the eSummit, the SERI Champions Program, and IEMN, among others.
About the eSummit
The Electronics Sustainability Summit (eSummit) is an annual conference that unites stakeholders across the entire electronics lifecycle to advance sustainability through collaboration and innovation. Unlike traditional single-channel industry events, the eSummit brings together manufacturers, refurbishers, recyclers, regulators, IT professionals, and sustainability leaders to address the interconnected challenges facing the electronics industry. Through comprehensive programming spanning design, repair, reuse, and recycling, the eSummit creates opportunities for cross-functional problem-solving and strategic partnerships that drive circular, sustainable outcomes. The 2025 eSummit takes place September 8-11 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Learn more at electronicssummit.org.
www.sustainableelectronics.org
Contact Jeff Seibert for more information
