E-Waste Systems, an electronic waste management and reverse logistics company, is expanding to Australia by partnering with 1800eWaste, an electronic waste collection and recycling service provider in Australia.
EWSI signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding with 1800eWaste, to deploy EWSI’s ePlant1000 technology.
Established more than 18 years ago, 1800eWaste is one of the most significant waste collectors in Australia and is further expanding its own operations via a mix of owned and franchised operations.
The deal comes at a time when Australia is undergoing major legislative changes and the market for e-waste is growing. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia is the 10th largest user of technology worldwide, and the problem created by e-waste is mounting.
In Australia, e-waste is growing at three times the rate of general waste. The cumulative volume of televisions and computers reaching the end of their useful life is expected to reach 181,000 tons, or 44 million units by 2027, and presently only about 10-12% of all end-of-life electronic equipment is recycled, with much of the balance going to landfills.
“With the launch of this effort, we will begin to establish our eWaste brand into the southern hemisphere supported by a highly professional team in Australia,” stated Martin Nielson, CEO of EWSI.
“The collaboration between EWSI and 1800eWaste is designed to seize the Australian market opportunity by establishing our eWaste brand and technology as the standard and to exert added pressure to enact the legislation being debated,” Nielson added.
The deal represents a strategic milestone for EWSI due to Australia’s geographical position and it being a global leader in environmental solutions. In addition, 1800eWaste and its founders provide solid credentials in the Australian market with established e-waste operations.
The deal involves an eWaste brand license and deployment of a state-of-the-art electronic waste recycling plant in the Sydney area. 1800eWaste is a mature operator of waste recycling in Australia and this license, along with the EWSI technology, will extend their current efforts to include a wider array of electronics.
These services are intended to be marketed under the eWaste and 1800ewaste joint brands. EWSI is also expecting to negotiate rights to the 1800ewaste brand in other jurisdictions with the intent of expanding its brand portfolio.
As part of EWSI’s 2013 global brand deployment plan, there are a number of similar initiatives now underway and EWSI expects that agreements in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and India will complement its North American portfolio of brand affiliates. China is also progressing very well and more brand licenses and technology expansion is expected there in the near future.
Also read: E-Waste Systems acquires California-based e-waste collector Surf Investments