December 2005
RLA Monthly Newsletter Issue 20
Editor: Chris Morrow

RLA Newsletter

Featured Article

There's Gold in Them There Parts

by Michael R. Blumberg, CMC
President & CEO, D.F. Blumberg Associates, Inc.

Imagine if you will a business that turns worthless products into gold. Twenty years ago, no one would have believed that there could be a business like this. Well today, this business does exist and it is called e-Waste/e-Recycling. I believe it is the next big growth opportunity for global commerce in general and the Reverse Logistics industry specifically. The research is in to prove this possibility. In fact research indicates that e-Waste/e-Recycling will represent a $30 Billion market opportunity by the year 2008. This is not unrealistic considering the array of technologies and materials that can be captured by e-Waste/e-Recycling processes.   Full Article

Call for Speakers

Are you a Reverse Logistics Professional?

Speaker and Panelist opportunities are available for RLTS Las Vegas 2006!

GO now to see the qualifications and benefits.

Recycling

The Implications of the European WEEE Directive

by Adrian Dickinson
Project Director WEEE and Reverse Logistics, Exel

Across the European Union there is a tide of change sweeping over the electronics industry. All 25 member states are enacting new legislation that is intended to reduce the environmental damage caused by our burgeoning consumption of gadgets and devices. At the centre of these new rules, is the obligation on producers to fund the adequate collection, treatment and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).   Full Article

Association Health Insurance Bill before Senate

A recent bill introduced by Senator Michael Enzi (R-Wyoming), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, would help small and medium sized businesses and their employees access affordable health insurance plans.

"It's about time! We have been waiting for a Senator to pickup the torch on this matter and run with it. Mr. Enzi is that Senator," said David Cole, RLA Member Benefits Manager. "However, he will run into opposition. It is up to OUR members to e-mail him and California Insurance Commissioner, John Garamendi, letting them know that we want Association Health Care Plans."   Full Article

Case Study

Parts Recovery and Material Recycling: Audiovox Satellite Boom Boxes

by Andrew French, Director of New Business
Electronic Recycling & Trading, Inc.

Sometimes, a company can have an obsolete finished product, while the parts inside still have value and current demand. This is where Parts Harvesting comes into play.

Audiovox Electronics Corporation had returned, damaged or obsolete Satellite Boom Boxes, from which they wished to retrieve salvageable parts, sell off any precious metal and recycle plastic, metal and packaging material, as appropriate. The "harvest" included removal of power supplies and satellite antennas from consumer packaging, the removal of all electronics from back shell plus repackaging for return shipment to the factory for reuse in manufacturing process.

Audiovox engaged a third party service provider (3PSP) to "harvest the parts." This case study outlines the process used   More...

Industry Events
Industry Insight

Maximizing Recovery While Minimizing the Environmental Impacts for Reverse Logistics

by Paul Rupnow
Editor, Reverse Logistics Professional Report

How can we recover the highest value for our returned goods if we are trying to protect the environment as well? Will environmental initiatives result in significant additional costs and efforts for reverse logistics processing? One of the hottest topics for reverse logistics this year is the environment, as a result of the European environmental initiatives of WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). Many other countries, states and regional governments are introducing similar legislation.   Full Article

RLTS Las Vegas 2006

February 6-8, 2006
Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel
Over 100 3PSP Exhibitors
Over 1000 Professionals attending

Join us in Las Vegas at the 3rd Annual RLTS Conference and Expo. Plan on spending Super Bowl Sunday in Las Vegas – no other city generates as much excitement surrounding this all-American spectacle. RLA's group rates of $68 at the Flamingo Hotel can't be beat along with our American Airlines discounts – book now to take advantage of these special rates.

RLA has arranged for a special performance of George Wallace for the first 700 registered attendees. Don't miss out – register early to ensure your place at this night of entertainment.

For those who like one-on-one time with their clients, join us at RLA Golf Tournament being held on Monday. Monday also offers RL Workshops and Seminars. Check out the line up of speakers, then sign up for one.

The list of conference and expo participants is growing fast – so secure your exhibit space now. These 3PSPs are focused on helping OEMs and Branded Companies become aware of RL support available on a global basis. If you are a Reverse Logistics professional – don't miss this event! For more information and complete details, visit www.RLTShows.com/vegas.php.

Throughout the week, space will be available for QBRs and sales meetings. Contact RLA to schedule a conference room for your meeting.

Member Benefit Highlight – Did You Know?

RLA Job Center

Did you know ... posting reverse logistics positions on the RLA site is a member* benefit? Let us help you find the staff you seek – posting is quick and easy. Here's how:

1. Log on to RLA using your username and password
2. Click "My Profile"
3. Click "My Job Postings"
4. Enter position information (job title, description, company URL and contact email); click Submit.

Position posting is generally approved and posted within 24 business hours. Check out the positions currently posted at the RLA Job Center. For more information, Contact RLA.

* Professional Level members and above

On The Move in Reverse Logistics

Bryce Boothby has been named Vice President, Global Services Solutions at Celestica. Celestica is an $8 Billion+ EMS company based in Toronto. Mr. Boothby is best known as the former president & CEO of Boston based SalesLink Corp., a company he grew from a $63 million, regional fulfillment business into a leading, international $450 million supply chain management services provider.

Emily Rodriguez has recently taken a position with The Results Group as a Senior Consultant. Emily brings reverse logistics subject matter expertise to an established supply chain, logistics and international business practice. The Results Group is a 12 year old Silicon Valley based company that counts many of the Fortune 500 companies among its clients.

Industry News Highlights

RLA Links


Disclaimer - Reverse Logistics Association and its agents used their best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, Reverse Logistics Association does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors, whether such errors resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes. Furthermore, the opinions and commentary of the RLA Newsletter may or may not be the opinion of Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) and RLA does not assume any affiliation with any of the above named companies by default of publishing this newsletter.

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