ReMA Leadership Represents Electronics Recycling on the Global Stage

Cheryl Coleman, ReMA's Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Safety, and Sustainability represented ReMA at the 24^th International Electronics Reuse & Recycling Congress (IERC), which ran from January 21-23, 2026, in Valencia, Spain.

At IERC global leaders in electronics sustainability come together to shape the future of reuse, recycling, and circularity. IERC serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing innovation, and building partnerships across the electronics value chain.

This year's program featured expert-led sessions on IT asset disposition, technology and AI, global trade, evolving policy landscapes, funding for innovation, and regional regulatory developments.

Coleman participated on a panel called "Key Challenges of Global Trade for Our Industry," and was joined by Julie-Ann Adams, CEO of European Electronics Recyclers Association, Chris Cleet, Vice President of Policy, Environment, and Sustainability at the Information Technology Industry Council, Isabelle Radovan, Junior Police Advisor at Recycling Europe, and Jim Puckett, Executive Director and Founder of the Basel Action Network.

The session was moderated by Jean Cox-Kearns, Chair of the Steering Committee, Product End-of-Life Management Engineer at Lenovo - Global ESG. about key challenges of global trade for the electronics recycling industry is providing valuable insights and provoking lively debate.

The group addressed the importance of smart and sound policies for electronics recycling, and the fact that design choices, smart policy, and market access are inseparable.

Progress depends on open dialogue among OEMs, recyclers, governments, and global trading partners, so legitimate recycled materials can move safely, legally, and efficiently to where they're needed.

"Recycling starts with design," Coleman said. "But it only works if materials can move. Circularity isn't theoretical. It's a system-and systems only work when all parts are aligned."