日本語 
ERI is stepping outside the US for the first time, and it is not doing it alone. It has partnered with ITOCHU Corporation to launch ERI Japan, a joint venture split evenly between both sides. The investment from ITOCHU is being routed through its subsidiary Belong Inc.
This is not just a market entry. It is a deliberate attempt to bring structured, large-scale e-waste recycling and IT asset disposition into Japan using a model that has already worked in the US.
ERI brings the operational backbone. That includes end-to-end handling of retired IT equipment, from secure data destruction to shredding, remarketing, recycling, and compliance. One thing that stands out is its chain of custody tracking. Every asset is monitored through proprietary systems, which matters in a space where accountability is usually weak. On top of that, ERI uses AI-driven image recognition and robotic sorting to process materials with more precision.
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ITOCHU brings reach. Its network across Japan and global markets gives the venture access, scale, and distribution that would take years to build from scratch.
ERI has already processed over 2.5 billion pounds of e-waste in the US and works with partners in more than 140 countries. But this is its first fully owned, branded operation outside its home market.
The timing is not random. E-waste is growing fast which creates pressure on countries to improve their waste management systems. The current initiative marks a transition from scattered recycling activities toward more advanced industrial recycling systems that use technological solutions. ERI Japan is expected to start operations later in 2026.
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