Flex IT, one of Europe’s largest players in IT Lifecycle Management, has become the first Dutch organization to achieve the prestigious R2V3 certification. This internationally recognized standard represents responsible reuse and recycling of IT hardware, components, and materials. This milestone highlights Flex IT’s commitment to a circular economy and minimizing e-waste by providing safe and sustainable IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services.

What is R2?

The R2 standard, short for Responsible Recycling, is globally recognized as the benchmark for responsible handling of end-of-life electronic devices. The certification emphasizes equipment reuse, waste stream reduction, and adherence to strict environmental standards. R2-certified organizations extend the lifespan of IT hardware and promote the reuse of components and materials. This aligns perfectly with European regulations for transparent reporting (CSRD) and improving ESG scores.

ITAD Services from Flex IT: Security and Sustainability

Flex IT’s R2 certification, awarded by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), specifically applies to its ITAD processes. These services include:

• Reuse of IT equipment, such as laptops, desktops, and servers
• Recycling of components and harvesting materials for new product applications
• Data security, ensuring the safe removal of sensitive information
• Sustainable processing, extending the lifespan of devices to up to ten years (compared to the current average of three to five years)

“We are very proud that Flex IT is the first Dutch company to receive this important certification. Every link in our chain – from manufacturing to recycling – has been thoroughly reviewed. This enables us to provide full transparency about what happens to IT devices that have reached the end of their lifecycle. Our goal is to extend the lifespan of IT devices as much as possible.” says Andreas Mayer, CEO of Flex IT. “Our R2 certification makes our processing methods and recycling, as well as our collaboration with chain partners, fully transparent. This guarantees organizations that their old hardware, by partnering with us, becomes part of a circular economy.”

A step towards broader impact

The R2 certification goes beyond recycling, encompassing the entire value chain from usage to end-of-life. The standard sets high requirements for environmental care, safety, and data management and mandates a thorough evaluation of all partners in the chain. With this step, Flex IT positions itself as a leader in circular IT, encouraging other companies to invest in sustainability, quality, and safety within ITAD processes.

“We urge other players in the industry to pursue certification as well,” says Jan Willem Proper, Manager ITAD & Circular IT at Flex IT. “Responsible management and processing of IT devices are crucial for a livable future. This can only be achieved through collaboration across the entire chain.”