HONG KONG, May 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of the upcoming 19th "World Accreditation Day" on June 9, the 3rd TÜV Rheinland Quality Fest has officially commenced. Building on the strong momentum and industry attention of its previous two editions, the TÜV Rheinland Quality Fest has become an important link connecting industry, the public, and brands.

Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of TÜV Rheinland Greater China this year, the Quality Fest has been comprehensively upgraded. Centered around the core themes of the experience economy, digital trust, and sustainable value innovation, a two-month series of activities has been planned. The initiative aims to empower high-quality industry development, strengthen industry exchange, bring the concept of "quality" closer to everyday life, and enhance employee engagement with the brand, while showcasing the evolving mission and responsibility of a century-old testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) organization.

A Convergence of Technology and Human Touch

This year's Quality Fest adopts a brand-new visual identity, featuring a modern, technology-inspired design with vibrant colors. TÜV Rheinland's mascot "Tuvy" makes a fresh appearance as a knight holding a shield and sword interpreting the brand philosophy of a "trusted technical guardian." At the same time, the official theme song and music video have been released. The upbeat theme song was created with the participation of AI throughout the production process, resulting in a catchy and engaging melody. The music video also incorporates a wide range of AI-generated visual elements, fully demonstrating TÜV Rheinland's forward-looking approach in leveraging digital tools to drive business innovation and brand communication. Click here to view the MV

B2C Pop-up Experiences: Making "Trustworthiness" Visible and Tangible

To bridge the gap between professional certification and everyday life, this year's Quality Fest introduces innovative, multi-scenario offline pop-up experiences that make reliable quality both visible and tangible for consumers.

A themed pop-up cat café in Shanghai will focus on "pet-friendly" concepts, integrating TÜV Rheinland's services in pet product testing, "pet-friendly" certification for smart appliances, testing and evaluation of pet medical devices, and auditing of "pet-friendly" venues. Through immersive scenarios, the experience aims to provide an added layer of professional assurance for pets.

In Taipei, an eye-care electronics pop-up experience will be organized, combining interactive activities with knowledge sharing on eye health, enabling consumers to understand the value of eye-care certification in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Additional interactive activities will also be planned to further connect quality concepts with daily life through engaging formats.

Brand Knowledge Challenge: 40th Anniversary Rewards and Engagement

To celebrate four decades in Greater China, an online Brand Knowledge Challenge will run throughout the festival. Consumers can follow TÜV Rheinland's official social media accounts to participate in interactive quizzes. Participants can learn about the company's history and TIC expertise while entering a draw to win exclusive gifts.

Quality Fest Ambassadors: Employees as Brand Communicators

Last year, TÜV Rheinland introduced the "Quality Fest Ambassador" initiative for the first time, inviting employees to participate in the creation of short video content under the theme of "little-known facts" about the TIC industry, which received positive feedback.

This year, the ambassador programme will be further expanded, encouraging employees to break down complex testing and certification concepts into engaging, easy-to-understand content. By debunking common misconceptions and explaining the value behind certification marks, employees will help convey TÜV Rheinland's core mission and bring technical trust closer to the public.

World Accreditation Day: Driving High-Quality Industry Development

In celebration of the 19th World Accreditation Day, TÜV Rheinland will actively participate in a series of events hosted by market regulatory authorities and industry organizations across the region. By collaborating with stakeholders from government, industry, and academia, TÜV Rheinland aims to drive technological innovation and standards development. This collective effort supports the standardization, sustainability, and compliance upgrades of the TIC industry, paving the way for global expansion.

The 3rd TÜV Rheinland Quality Fest embraces a more open approach and innovative expression, inviting all stakeholders to explore new possibilities for the future of quality.

For more information and a chance to win special gifts, please follow TÜV Rheinland's official social media channels.

The verification project focused on assistance response time and gait synchronization between the user and the exoskeleton in real-world movement scenarios. The testing prioritized two primary aspects: First, Response Time assessed the exoskeleton's ability to accurately detect real-time changes in movement, such as initiation, termination, or locomotor transitions and promptly deliver the appropriate level of power assistance; Second, Human-Machine Synchronization evaluated how seamlessly the device adapted to the user's natural movement rhythm to ensure a fluid, coordinated, and unobstructed walking pattern. TÜV Rheinland conducted a comprehensive evaluation across three primary dimensions:

• Assistance Response Time: This dimension evaluated the time required for the exoskeleton to respond to changes in human movement and provide corresponding assistance during different movement scenarios. Test results showed that the New Hypershell X Series achieved a response time as fast as 0.31 seconds, representing a 64.5% reduction in response time compared to the previous generation.
• Human-Machine synchronization: By comparing gait performance with and without the exoskeleton across various representative task scenarios, the evaluation analyzed the alignment between the device and the user's natural movement rhythm and gait characteristics. The results showed that the new Hypershell X Series achieved 97.5% gait synchronization across varied terrains, indicating that the device effectively followed the user's movement rhythm and supported a natural, coordinated motion experience.
• Subjective User Experience: In addition to objective measurements, the verification incorporated subjective feedback from users during actual wearing and use. The assessment focused on the timeliness of assistance and the smoothness and naturalness of movement, providing a comprehensive assessment of the product's performance in real-world applications.

The successful verification of Hypershell's consumer exoskeleton demonstrates its performance capabilities in core technical metrics, establishing the company's position in the global market. Furthermore, by leveraging TÜV Rheinland's innovative Human Factors Engineering evaluation system, this project establishes a new paradigm for integrated "human-machine system" assessments, shifting the industry's focus from purely technical parameters to high-quality, user-centric market applications.

Fan Xuanhe stated: "We are honored to receive this verification statement from TÜV Rheinland. The New Hypershell X Series adopts an industry-leading end-to-end motion control algorithm designed to enhance key user experiences such as exoskeleton responsiveness and human-machine coordination. This verification not only recognizes the performance of our products, but also affirms our commitment to continuous innovation. As a pioneer in the industry, we will continue to take a user-centered approach to product development, creating exoskeletons designed for diverse real-world scenarios and bringing intelligent exoskeleton technology to more people around the world."

Sommy Chen added: "This verification for Hypershell represents another significant practice of TÜV Rheinland in the field of human factors engineering and consumer robotics. As a leader in robotics testing and certification standards, we provide independent and professional services to help companies refine product performance and enhancing market competitiveness. Moving forward, we will continue to collaborate with innovative tech enterprises to promote the standardized and high-quality international development of the consumer robotics industry."

With extensive experience in robotics testing and certification, alongside a profound understanding of technical requirements for robot units and diverse application scenarios, TÜV Rheinland provides manufacturers with customized solutions. Its comprehensive services cover testing and certification across multiple dimensions, including AI regulations, electrical safety, mechanical safety, wireless communication, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), functional safety, cybersecurity, and chemical safety, helping enterprises enhance product performance, safety, and market trust.

About Hypershell

Founded in 2021, Hypershell is a world-leading exoskeleton company focused on empowering human exploration. Its intelligent exoskeletons adapt in real time to terrain, activity, and intention, making movement lighter and more natural. With certified performance and tens of thousands of units sold across 70+ countries, Hypershell enhances, not replaces, human ability – shaping a future where wearable robotics become as essential as backpacks for exploration, work, and play.

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from both parties, including Xian Yinsong, Mayor of Huangpu District, Guangzhou; Chen Chao, Secretary-General of the Management Committee of Guangzhou Development Zone; Xia Bo, President of TÜV Rheinland Greater China; Richard Wang, General Manager of the TÜV Rheinland Greater China Government Relations; and Geoffy Yin, Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland Guangdong.

The TÜV Rheinland GBA (Guangdong) Operation Center project involves a total investment of approximately RMB 150 million and a planned construction area of about 20,000 square meters. It will establish a one-stop testing and certification technical service platform, R&D center, and capability center. The facility will include comprehensive testing laboratories for new energy vehicles and intelligent connected vehicle components, robots and intelligent commercial equipment, smart home appliances, lighting appliances, light industrial machinery, low-altitude aircraft, new materials, and electronic components. It will also enhance management system auditing, supply chain quality and sustainable development assessment services, and set up a professional technical talent training center to support the transformation and upgrading of low-carbon, sustainable, and intelligent manufacturing industries.

Upon completion, the center will deliver internationally recognized full-chain services—including inspection, testing, certification, assessment, consulting, and training—to strategic emerging industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This will help local enterprises strengthen their international market competitiveness and advance the internationalization of industrial technical standards.

At the signing ceremony, Xian Yinsong, Huangpu District Mayor stated that TÜV Rheinland, a leading international testing, inspection, and certification organization, has been deeply established in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for over 30 years, with profound technical expertise and global resource advantages. The investment in the TÜV Rheinland GBA (Guangdong) Operation Center is a key initiative for Huangpu District to promote deep integration between advanced manufacturing and modern services. The Huangpu District  Government will provide full support for the project's construction in accordance with laws, regulations, and relevant policies, offering comprehensive assistance in policy support, resource coordination, and approvals to facilitate early completion and operation.

That afternoon, Xia Bo attended the Guangzhou High-Quality Development Conference, themed "Promoting Industry and Commerce in Tandem for Deep Integration and Synergistic Development of Manufacturing and Service Industries." As a major initiative in the opening year of Guangzhou's 15th Five-Year Plan for high-quality development, the conference outlined pathways to revitalize industry through trade and vice versa, detailed plans for integrating the two sectors, and mobilized government and enterprise efforts to explore new paths for industrial transformation, accelerate new productive forces, and strengthen the industrial foundation for Guangzhou's modernization.

In his address, Xia Bo remarked: "Guangzhou Development Zone and Huangpu District, known as the 'Pearl of the Bay' in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, serve as the main battlefield for the real economy and the core engine for technological innovation. As one of the earliest international testing and certification organizations to establish a presence in the Guangzhou Development Zone, TÜV Rheinland has greatly benefited from its superior business environment and efficient government services. The launch of the TÜV Rheinland GBA (Guangdong) Operation Center marks a significant milestone in TÜV Rheinland's development in China and reflects our firm commitment to rooting in Huangpu and serving the Greater Bay Area. Going forward, TÜV Rheinland will continue to act as an 'external brain' and 'bridge,' supporting Greater Bay Area enterprises in achieving stable and sustainable growth amid global industrial chain restructuring, and jointly driving high-quality regional economic development."

This cooperation further deepens TÜV Rheinland's strategic presence in China and exemplifies Guangzhou and Huangpu District's ongoing efforts to optimize the business environment, focus on developing new productive forces, and promote integration of industry and commerce. It will bring new professional impetus to building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a world-class bay area and city cluster.

Against the backdrop of global sustainable development, zero waste to landfill has become an important topic for enterprises to fulfill environmental responsibilities and promote green transformation. An increasing number of organizations are setting waste reduction and zero landfill as key sustainability objectives. The assessment covered SHEIN's implementation of waste management measures across the waste life cycle, including source reduction, reuse and recycling.

The Zero Waste to Landfill Management System evaluates an organization's waste management performance from two dimensions: management processes and quantitative performance indicators. Based on an existing ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, enterprises can further optimize waste management modules and promote the development of "zero-waste Unit." This approach may support cost optimization while enhancing ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) performance and long-term sustainability competitiveness.

During this project, TÜV Rheinland conducted an assessment through a combination of document review, personnel interviews and on-site inspections, covering 15 sites operated by SHEIN. The assessment focused on verifying the adequacy, conformity and effectiveness of the management system implementation, reviewing the completeness and accuracy of waste data, and calculating the waste diversion rate. Following a comprehensive evaluation, all 15 sites were meeting the requirements of the Zero Waste to Landfill Management System under a group assessment approach.

Lucas Liu stated "Sustainability is one of SHEIN's core strategic priorities. As the global fashion industry accelerates toward sustainable development, waste and pollution reduction, the low-carbon and intelligent upgrading of supply chains has become both an industry consensus and a source of core competitiveness. As a global online retailer of fashion and lifestyle products, SHEIN has achieved notable improvements in energy efficiency and carbon reduction across key hubs such as warehousing and logistics. This certification represents professional recognition of our sustainability practices. Going forward, we look forward to further deepening cooperation with TÜV Rheinland to jointly explore innovative pathways for sustainable development in the fashion industry."

Vincent Chen commented:
"This certification reflects the outcome of the assessment conducted in accordance with the Zero Waste to Landfill Management System requirements. TÜV Rheinland is committed to supporting green transformation across industries and has developed the Zero Waste to Landfill Management System to provide enterprises with a scientific, rigorous and practical framework. In the future, TÜV Rheinland will continue to work closely with more enterprises to promote carbon reduction through improved waste management and advance resource recovery, supporting enterprises in improving waste management practices in line with pollution reduction and carbon mitigation objectives."

The Zero Waste to Landfill Management System developed by TÜV Rheinland in alignment with China's national 'Zero-Waste City' initiative, follows a management system framework and the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology. To date, more than 80 factories across industries including beverages, food, pharmaceuticals, sportswear, electronics, automotive and home appliances have successfully completed this assessment.

To help the electronics sector navigate this shift, TÜV Rheinland has introduced a closed-loop recycled material verification process designed specifically for the industry's large and complex supply chains. Aligned with ISO 14021, EN 15343, and ISO 22095, the program establishes a transparent, traceable framework that covers every stage—from waste collection to the integration of recycled materials into new products.

According to Ryan Hsiang, Vice General Manager, People and Business Assurance at TÜV Rheinland Taiwan, "Closed-loop recycling not only increases resource efficiency; it also accelerates advances in recycling technologies and enhances precision in upstream supply chain, making it a vital enabler of the electronics industry's sustainability transition."

Several electronics supply chain partners have already implemented the third-party verification process through a recent pilot project supported by TÜV Rheinland. The initiative involves multiple specialist recyclers working across different material streams. GuangDong TPIPLASTIC Co., Ltd. oversees plastics recycling, converting dismantled, sorted, crushed, washed, and re-granulated materials into high-quality recycled plastics.

The electronic components are dismantled by Australia's SPC E-Cycle, and the printed circuit boards within are processed by Mint Innovation using their proprietary low-impact technology to produce 100% brand-exclusive closed-loop recycled copper, which is then refined into copper strips by Ningbo Jintian Copper (Group) Co., Ltd. before entering downstream production. The resulting materials are now being used in new components, demonstrating a functioning closed-loop model that helps reduce the environmental burden of e-waste.

Audits conducted by TÜV Rheinland confirmed that recycled ABS, PMMA, rubber, copper met required standards for both traceability and material quality across all stages. "This pilot not only elevates recycled material management within the supply chain; it also supports broader industry adoption of recycled inputs and accelerates progress toward a circular economy," Hsiang added. "We look forward to collaborating with additional partners to scale this supply chain management approach."

Advance Global Compliance in FCM, PFAS, and IoT Cybersecurity

HONG KONG, Dec. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On 28 November 2025, TÜV Rheinland Hong Kong successfully hosted its inaugural Coffee Machines & Appliances Summit: Brewing Up Food Contact & Chemical Safety, marking the first regional technical conference dedicated to addressing the converging challenges of food contact material safety, chemical regulatory change, and cybersecurity in connected appliances. The event brought together brands, suppliers, OEMs, and retailers from around the world.

This summit arrives at a crucial moment for the global appliance industry. Coffee machines and small household appliances are no longer simple mechanical devices; they now involve complex material interfaces, increasingly regulated chemical compositions, and rapidly expanding IoT connectivity. These shifts have created new compliance burdens for manufacturers while intensifying expectations from regulators and consumers alike.

Opening the summit, Jay Yang, Senior Vice President, Products, TÜV Rheinland Greater China, emphasized that manufacturers must now navigate multiple regulatory domains simultaneously. He remarked that the industry is undergoing "one of its most profound transformations," where the traditional boundaries between materials compliance, chemical safety, and digital trust are disappearing. He noted that TÜV Rheinland's role is to provide both technical guidance and strategic clarity as companies rethink their global compliance frameworks.

TÜV Rheinland GMP and Food Safety Services for Your Food Contact Materials

Global Food Contact Material Challenges and the Transition Toward Safer Materials

Food contact material (FCM) compliance is a topic that has become increasingly complex due to the growing variety of materials used in modern appliances and the growing influence of stricter global regulations.

Nick Cheng, Food Contact Material Safety Manager at TÜV Rheinland Asia, opened the technical program by examining global market requirements across the EU, US, China, Japan, and Mercosur. Rather than presenting isolated regulations, he highlighted how the tightening of migration testing requirements, the emphasis on documentation completeness, and the divergence of national standards have collectively increased the compliance burden for manufacturers seeking global market access. Cheng explained that inconsistent regulatory frameworks often lead to delays in product launches, increased testing costs, and supply-chain disruptions when suppliers lack the capability to meet global documentation demands.

Following this, Gary Lo, Product Manager and FCM Specialist from TÜV Rheinland LGA Products GmbH, explored the industry's shift toward BPA-free and alternative materials. Lo explained that while global regulatory pressure has accelerated the transition away from BPA-containing polymers, the industry's challenge now lies in implementing proper GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) to ensure material consistency, traceability, and safety. He stressed that without disciplined GMP processes — including proper validation, chemical monitoring, and documentation practices — manufacturers face heightened risks of non-compliance that could result in product recalls, reputational damage, or restricted market entry.

To deepen the discussion, participants engaged in an interactive breakout session examining how global brands are building internal FCM governance systems. The session underscored that effective FCM compliance is not merely a testing issue, but a cross-functional supply-chain responsibility.

PFAS Regulatory Pressure and the Search for Viable Alternatives

Regulatory bodies in Europe and the United States have moved swiftly toward broad restrictions on PFAS, and these changes are reshaping material strategies for appliance manufacturers, particularly those relying on high-performance coatings, gaskets, and heat-resistant components.

Alice Yau, Senior Manager of Electrical and Material Testing at TÜV Rheinland Greater China, provided an overview of the PFAS legislative landscape. She explained that PFAS oversight has expanded from narrow chemical lists to broader "class-based" restrictions, meaning manufacturers must evaluate their entire product architecture — from coatings to lubricants to molded parts — for potential PFAS presence. This shift has created unprecedented urgency within R&D teams, as traditional materials may soon be non-compliant.

Complementing this regulatory perspective, Bernd Fritzsche, Global Head of the Technical Competence Center for Chemical Analysis at TÜV Rheinland Group, addressed the analytical challenges of PFAS detection. He noted that PFAS analysis requires specialized instrumentation, harmonized testing methodologies, and sophisticated laboratory validation to avoid inconsistent or inconclusive results. These factors make PFAS testing one of the most technically demanding areas within chemical compliance today, with significant implications for manufacturers attempting to declare their products PFAS-free.

From an industry standpoint, Eleonora Furlanetto, Food Safety Compliance Leader at De'Longhi Appliances S.r.l., provided a brand-level perspective on the practical challenges of replacing PTFE and other PFAS-containing materials. She explained that while regulatory drivers are clear, the transition to alternative materials is far from straightforward. Manufacturers must balance performance integrity, heat resistance, consumer expectations, and cost feasibility — all while ensuring that new materials meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements. Furlanetto also stressed the importance of transparent communication with consumers, especially when marketing PFAS-free claims, which must be backed by scientifically robust validation.

Participants then joined an in-depth breakout session focusing on the feasibility of PFAS alternatives. Many companies indicated that the biggest gap lies in reliable validation protocols and consistent global acceptance of testing methodologies.

Cybersecurity in the Age of Connected Coffee Machines

As appliances increasingly connect to mobile apps, cloud services, and AI-driven features, the summit broadened its scope in the closing session to address IoT cybersecurity — now a critical compliance requirement in multiple global markets.

Arnold Li, Business Development Executive for Electrical Products at TÜV Rheinland Greater China, explained how the integration of IoT and AI has transformed coffee machines and household appliances into sophisticated digital devices. This transformation has invited new cybersecurity risks, prompting regulators in Europe, the US, and Asia to introduce mandatory cybersecurity requirements. Li outlined the implications for manufacturers, including vulnerability assessment, secure-by-design development, data protection requirements, and the growing need for compliance frameworks that ensure ongoing device security throughout the product lifecycle.

In his closing remarks, Limao Tian, Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland Hong Kong, highlighted that safety in modern appliances is now multi-dimensional. He stressed that chemical safety, material integrity, and digital security can no longer be managed independently, and that TÜV Rheinland's integrated testing and certification capabilities are designed to support manufacturers across these converging domains as regulations continue to evolve globally.

As one of BAIC Foton's most trusted partners, TÜV Rheinland has worked with the company for two decades. From EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA), automotive component certification, and global market access for wireless and electronic products, TÜV Rheinland has supported BAIC Foton in overcoming technical barriers across diverse markets, meeting evolving regulatory requirements, and accelerating its global footprint. In addition, TÜV Rheinland provides regulatory analysis and interpretation component testing and validation, management system audits and certification, and functional safety services for electronic and electrical systems—laying a solid foundation for BAIC Foton's development of globally competitive products.

A BAIC Foton representative commented, "BAIC Foton and TÜV Rheinland have built mutual trust and grown together on the road to globalization for the past 20 years. From technical compliance for export products to the continuous advancement of our quality systems, TÜV Rheinland has consistently delivered strong technical support through its professional and efficient services. This trust has become a key driving force in our international development. Looking ahead, we look forward to deepening our cooperation, responding to industry changes with even closer collaboration, and jointly advancing the implementation of our global strategy."

Yuxin Huang, Senior Vice President of TÜV Rheinland Greater China Mobility, stated, "We are honored to be the only testing and certification organization invited to this year's BAIC Foton Global Partners Conference and to receive the 'Premier Business Support Award.' This recognition not only affirms the value TÜV Rheinland has delivered, but also reflects the alignment between our shared commitment to safeguarding safety and pursuing excellence over the past two decades. TÜV Rheinland will continue to support BAIC Foton in the areas of new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, enhancing its global competitiveness and accelerating the realization of its international strategy."

Earlier, Thomas Quernheim, Global Senior Vice President, Engineering & Type Approval, TÜV Rheinland Mobility, visited BAIC Foton's Beijing headquarters. During the visit, both parties reviewed their 20-year cooperation journey and held in-depth discussions on key achievements in areas such as EU certification, multi-market access, vehicle and component testing, and global quality management improvements. Moving forward, the two sides will continue to promote high-quality development in the global commercial vehicle sector, deepen cooperation in product safety and sustainable development, and jointly deliver better commercial vehicle solutions to global customers.

Looking ahead, and in response to industry trends in electrification, intelligent transformation, and green, low-carbon transformation, TÜV Rheinland and BAIC Foton will strengthen cooperation across four strategic dimensions: technology upgrading, quality foundation building, market expansion, and brand synergy—jointly exploring new pathways in the global automotive market and contributing to the high-quality development of the industry.

Established in 1985, SURTEC is a leading company in copper and fiber structured cabling and home networking solutions. To meet rising customer expectations for sustainability, the company launched its Zero Waste to Landfill Management System program at the end of 2024. A cross-functional team was formed to enhance every stage of waste management—from generation, storage, and transport to final treatment. The certification scope covers structured cabling systems, fiber and copper connectors, cabling accessories, data cables, interior furnishing products, and safety items. During implementation, SURTEC's management actively led cross-department engagement, introducing a rotation system so that employees could jointly maintain waste sorting and container cleanliness—strengthening a company-wide environmental culture. PET bottles were also dismantled and sorted by material, and packaging reuse programs were promoted in collaboration with suppliers.

The Zero Waste to Landfill framework helps organizations reduce waste at the source, maximize reuse and recycling, and ensure harmless treatment—minimizing landfill waste and turning waste management into resource management. It applies to a variety of sites such as factories, campuses, and industrial parks. Certified companies must achieve at least a 90% waste diversion rate through sorting, reduction, reuse, recycling, and energy recovery. Depending on the achieved diversion rate, companies receive certifications from one star (94%–96.99%) up to three star (≥99%), serving as key benchmarks of sustainable performance.

According to Shirley Zheng, General Manager of Customized Services at TÜV Rheinland Greater China, factory operations typically generate various types of waste—from household and garden waste to packaging materials and chemical residues. The zero-waste factory concept encourages employees to be part of the solution—for example, replacing yogurt with fruit in the canteen to reduce plastic cups and reuse fruit peels, digitalizing delivery forms to decrease boxes of paper records each year, and reusing food waste in wastewater plants to supplement microbial nutrients or as fertilizer in eco-gardens. These are all practical examples of turning waste into resources.

From waste reduction at the source to full resource recovery, zero-waste management demonstrates a company's commitment to green manufacturing and environmental accountability. Beyond improving environmental awareness, it helps reduce compliance risks and operational costs, strengthening an enterprise's long-term sustainability roadmap.

"We are deeply honored to receive this award from CLP Power," said Limao Tian, Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland Hong Kong. "This recognition reflects our continuous commitment to reducing our own environmental footprint while empowering our clients and partners to do the same. Sustainability is the first priority. Changes are necessary for this - we can approach this together."

The Sustainable Carbon Neutral Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in developing and implementing strategies toward carbon neutrality through innovation, efficiency improvement, and collective action. TÜV Rheinland Hong Kong distinguished itself among participants with strong performance in four key areas: resource management, innovation and creativity, environmental impact, and partner synergy, earning recognition from the judging panel.

Over the past year, TÜV Rheinland Hong Kong has implemented multiple green initiatives to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in its operations. Beyond its internal actions, TÜV Rheinland is advancing sustainability worldwide through a comprehensive portfolio of Sustainability Services that help businesses achieve measurable, science-based climate goals. These include carbon emission verification, product sustainability and green mark certification, environmental management and ESG assurance, hydrogen and e-mobility certification, renewable energy, etc.

The LG All-in-One Clothes Dryer and Ironer combines drying and ironing functions, featuring an innovative structural design and an intelligent control system. While enhancing user experience, this also places higher demands on product safety and compliance. Based on North American market regulations and industry standards, TÜV Rheinland technical team conducted evaluation of key aspects of the product, including electrical insulation, temperature control, mechanical stability, and material flammability, ensuring that its innovative design and technical implementation meet safety and reliability specifications.

Leveraging years of technical expertise and localized service experience in the home appliance sector, TÜV Rheinland provided LG with full-cycle compliance support, starting from the design phase. The team developed a systematic testing plan tailored to the product's functional integration and diverse usage scenarios, effectively identifying and assisting in resolving potential compliance risks, shortening the product's time to market, and improving market access efficiency.

A business head of LG Electronics stated: "LG Electronics has always been user-centric, driving product iteration through technological innovation. This collaboration with TÜV Rheinland not only reflects our strong commitment to product quality and safety but also provides a model for an integrated solution encompassing 'technology development, standards compliance, and market access' for innovative smart home appliance products."

TÜV Rheinland delivers comprehensive, tailored solutions to meet the needs of North American buyers and e-commerce platforms. Its services include cTUVus certification, U.S./Canada energy efficiency testing, electromagnetic compatibility (FCC/ISED) assessments, and hazardous substance evaluations. Supported by US NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) accredited laboratory and a dedicated North American standards testing and certification team, TÜV Rheinland provide specialized expertise for electronic and electrical products, committed to delivering professional, efficient, and reliable technical support, enabling seamless market entry and expansion in North America.

In recent years, TÜV Rheinland has rapidly expanded its market share through highly responsive customer service and professional technical expertise, making its cTUVus certification the preferred choice for a growing number of e-commerce sellers and professional-use product manufacturers.

At the event, TÜV Rheinland presented its comprehensive battery service portfolio, designed to support the entire battery value chain—from raw materials to end-use applications. Visitors explored TÜV Rheinland's capabilities in facilitating compliance with the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542), conducting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessments, life cycle assessments (LCA), and environmental product declarations (EPD). The company also highlighted its services in responsible sourcing, recycled material verification, and sustainability certifications such as the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) and Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI).

TÜV Rheinland at The Battery Show Asia reflects our commitment to helping the battery industry navigate increasingly complex regulatory landscapes while promoting sustainable innovation. We support battery manufacturers, OEMs, and energy solution providers with globally recognized testing, and certification services. As the global push toward clean energy accelerates, TÜV Rheinland remains a trusted technical partner in advancing safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance across the battery industry.

HP has been an advocate of the circular economy as early as the 1960s. The enterprise has built upon its early initiatives in recycled materials programs to sustainably achieve the brand's long-term sustainability goals, and this year it took a significant step by launching the recycling of the brand's IT and telecom equipment waste—such as laptops, monitors, and keyboards—into raw materials for new products. HP has also partnered with TÜV Rheinland's team of experts in recycled materials verification to establish inspection procedures, and TÜV Rheinland has fully conducted comprehensive audits throughout the entire process, complying with ISO 14021, EN 15343, and ISO 22095 standards.

Starting from waste collection, the inspection process involves meticulous evaluation of each stage, including manual sorting, dismantling, washing, electrostatic separation, and pelletizing, ensuring traceability and strict control. Unlike conventional e-waste processing, the emphasis with this system is precise manual disassembly and detailed classification management. During recycling, HP's discarded products are carefully dismantled piece by piece, including screws, motherboards, and plastic parts, significantly enhancing material purity and recycled rates while minimizing contamination and material loss. According to TÜV Rheinland's evaluation, a 65% recycled rate is achieved for ABS plastic from keyboards, enabling 0.65 kg of ABS to be recovered from every kilogram of discarded keyboards. Similarly, up to 30% of high-quality recycled plastic can be extracted from HP monitor waste and repurposed for next-generation HP products. This method has proven far more efficient and sustainable than traditional whole-device shredding.

In addition to plastics, HP has pioneered closed-loop recycling for metals. For example, PCBs rich in valuable metals undergo processes such as shredding, leaching, and electrolysis, enabling the recovery of 100% recycled electrolytic copper exclusively for HP. This comparatively sustainable process efficiently extracts material with electrolysis to separate multiple metals. The method ensures high purity and recovery rates, with an average of 200 to 300 kilograms of closed-loop recycled copper obtained per ton of discarded PCBs, showcasing its exceptional efficiency and sustainability.

Bringing over 20 years of experience in recycled material verification, TÜV Rheinland provided comprehensive technical support and inspection mechanisms, ensuring transparency and traceability across the recycling system—from waste collection to the application of materials in new HP products. TÜV Rheinland conducted rigorous audits of HP's closed-loop recycling system and material production processes, ultimately verifying five types of material.

As consumer e-waste volumes continue to grow, governments and organizations worldwide are introducing stricter recycling regulations and encouraging the incorporation of recycled materials into products. HP's closed-loop recycling model not only boosts resource efficiency but also sets a precedent for the electronics industry, promoting advancements in resource recovery and enhancing material management. Looking ahead, HP is taking further steps toward achieving a fully circular economy, and plans to expand its certification scope and integrate more recycled materials into HP products.

In his presentation, Rory outlined the urgent need for trusted certification systems to support the international trade of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives. "Trade in green hydrogen and its derivatives is no longer theoretical. It is a strategic imperative that hinges on trust — and trust begins with certification," he stated. He highlighted the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive (RED II and RED III) and its associated Delegated Acts, which define stringent sustainability and traceability requirements for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs). These include a minimum of 70% greenhouse gas emissions savings compared to fossil benchmarks and the use of renewable electricity that is additional, time- and location-correlated with hydrogen production.

TÜV Rheinland, as one of the first certification bodies formally approved under the EU's CertifHy RFNBO certification scheme, provides independent verification services for hydrogen and its derivatives. Rory introduced TÜV Rheinland's comprehensive solution, which includes early-stage pre-certification, full certification audits, and re-certification based on international standards. These services support hydrogen producers in both regulated markets like the EU and unregulated or emerging markets where TÜV Rheinland's proprietary H2.21 standard is widely used.

The presentation also examined the relevance of hydrogen certification for Hong Kong's future energy and transportation strategy. Rory noted that while Hong Kong is not currently a hydrogen-producing economy, it holds significant potential to serve as a regional certification hub and logistics node for the import, export, and application of hydrogen-based fuels.

"To ensure that Hong Kong remains competitive in the future hydrogen economy, the city must proactively align with internationally recognized standards," Rory stated. "This will open doors for participation in global green hydrogen trade while supporting the local adoption of hydrogen technologies in transport, logistics, and energy infrastructure."

TÜV Rheinland has been actively supporting hydrogen projects worldwide, with reference cases across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. With a track record of technical excellence and regulatory insight, the company continues to assist industry stakeholders in navigating complex certification landscapes, reducing investment risk, and accessing international markets.

Robot vacuum-mop devices have firmly established themselves as a core category within the cleaning appliance industry. Driven by intense focus in both R&D and market demand, the category has evolved rapidly in recent years, making significant strides in overcoming traditional limitations. Historically, robot vacuum-mops were considered less effective than dedicated floor scrubbers, but thanks to emerging technologies such as intelligent stain recognition and enhanced mop design, the performance gap between the two categories is narrowing quickly. These advancements have enabled the latest generation of robot vacuum-mops to deliver outstanding cleaning capabilities.

To support consumers in making more informed and intuitive choices, TÜV Rheinland has extended its Effective Deep Cleaning certification—originally developed for floor scrubbers—to include robot vacuum-mop products. The certification provides a structured evaluation based on real-world cleaning scenarios and focuses on three key performance areas: First, full-scene cleaning performance is tested through over 10 rigorous assessments, including dust removal from hard floors and carpets, large debris pickup, and hair entanglement management. Second, intelligent mopping capabilities are evaluated, particularly in handling both dry and wet stubborn stains. Third, base station ecosystem performance is assessed across eight dimensions, including dust collection efficiency, self-cleaning functionality, and sterilization performance.

The eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E28, recently launched overseas by global smart home leader Anker Innovations, has been awarded TÜV Rheinland Effective Deep Cleaning certification in this expanded category. The eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E28 excelled in testing, achieving a floor dust removal rate exceeding 90% and a 100% large particle removal rate. In hair entanglement tests using 30 cm human hair, the E28 consistently demonstrated outstanding anti-tangle performance. It also effectively removed 24-hour dried coffee stains, demonstrating robust mopping performance. Additionally, the mop exhibited remarkable self-cleaning performance, while the base station's cleaning solution achieved a self-cleaning sterilization rate above 99%, affirming the E28's exceptional performance throughout the cleaning cycle.

TÜV Rheinland Effective Deep Cleaning certification establishes a new benchmark for the performance of next-generation robot vacuum-mops. By basing evaluations on actual usage conditions, the certification helps highlight products that excel in real-life environments while simplifying the decision-making process for consumers. As cleaning appliance technologies continue to evolve, TÜV Rheinland remains committed to collaborating with industry innovators. Through a rigorous, science-based certification system, TÜV Rheinland will continue to drive product excellence and deliver cleaner, more intelligent solutions to households around the world.

Different markets impose varying technical standards and safety requirements on energy storage systems and electrical equipment. Securing the proper certifications — such as the widely recognized American UL and European CE certifications — is essential for entering the international arena.

The TeraHive Smart Switch, which ensures grid interconnection compatibility, data monitoring, power backup, and energy distribution, has earned cTUVus certification from TÜV Rheinland, meeting ANSI/UL/CSA 1741, UL 916, and UL 60730-1 standards.

These certifications rigorously assess energy efficiency, reliability, and functional safety to ensure sustained high performance. Notably, UL 1741 certification verifies the product's safe and seamless integration with other energy systems, enabling intelligent dynamic monitoring and adjustment of power distribution and load. This capability effectively removes the 120% distribution limit set by U.S. electrical codes, enhancing system flexibility and energy efficiency.

The TeraHive Energy Suite, an AI-powered home energy management system, has also secured cTUVus certifications for ANSI/UL/CSA 9540, UL 60730-1, and UL 1741 & UL 1741 CRD (for power control systems) in both the U.S. and Canada.

These certifications validate the product's electrical design, control system, and functional safety, ensuring protection against overloads, short circuits, and other hazards for both users and equipment. Covering critical aspects such as electrical and battery fire safety, system reliability, and thermal stability, these standards guarantee the energy storage system operates efficiently within renewable energy integration and smart grid frameworks. Rigorous testing has confirmed reliable performance even under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and vibrations.

"Achieving TÜV Rheinland's cTUVus certification marks a significant milestone in our commitment  to advancing intelligent energy management technology," said Kevin Lin, Co-Founder of TeraHive. "We will continue investing in product enhancements and, beyond the Home Energy Management, expand into areas such as Enterprise Energy Management, Charging Station Management and Microgrid solutions, delivering even greater value to our customers."

Recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), TÜV Rheinland is a leading third-party testing organization authorized to issue the cTUVus mark for ANSI/UL/CSA U.S. and Canadian product safety standards. Its certification scope covers a wide range of electrical, electronic, medical, and industrial equipment. Albin Yang, Vice General Manager of TÜV Rheinland's Solar & Commercial Products Division, stated: "Securing U.S. standard certification for the TeraHive brand underscores TÜV Rheinland's extensive expertise in energy management, energy storage, and sustainable development. We look forward to helping more companies meet U.S. market standards and driving the widespread adoption of green energy solutions."

As smart homes gain popularity and living standards rise, the biometric functions in smart locks have become increasingly important to users. Palm vein recognition technology, which uses infrared to read the distribution of veins in the human palm, offers several advantages over fingerprint and facial recognition, including natural live body detection, contactless convenience, hygiene, stable feature information, low environmental requirements, resistance to external damage or theft, reduced false triggers, and immunity to twin confusion. This technology is rapidly becoming a favorite in the lock industry.

However, due to its relatively recent introduction and limited recognition, smart locks equipped with palm vein recognition technology need to prove that their product performance and user experience to earn consumer trust. In response, TÜV Rheinland officially launched the "Palm Vein Recognition Rate and Speed Verification" service.

TÜV Rheinland conducted extensive palm vein recognition tests on Veno Pro in its laboratory under a reproducible and stable testing environment. The results show that Veno Pro's average recognition time is no more than 0.17 seconds, with an average recognition success rate of no less than 99.9%. The recognition experience is stable and smooth, meeting the daily needs of users effectively.

"TÜV Rheinland recognizes that new technologies, such as palm vein recognition in the lock industry, require rigorous verification to ensure they meet consumer expectations and gain market acceptance. As a trusted partner, TÜV Rheinland is well-equipped to support manufacturers in validating the performance and reliability of their innovative products. By leveraging TÜV Rheinland's verification services, companies can effectively demonstrate the quality and capabilities of their technologies, facilitating smoother market entry and enhancing customer trust", Jay Yang, Vice President of TÜV Rheinland Greater China Electrical.

About TÜV Rheinland

Safety and quality in almost all areas of business and life: That's what TÜV Rheinland stands for. The company has been active for more than 150 years and is one of the world's leading testing service providers. TÜV Rheinland has more than 22,000 employees in over 50 countries and generates annual sales of more than 2.4 billion euros. TÜV Rheinland's highly qualified experts test technical systems and products around the globe, accompany innovations in technology and business, train people in numerous professions and certify management systems according to international standards. In this way, the independent experts ensure trust along global flows of goods and value chains. Since 2006, TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact for more sustainability and against corruption.

Expanding on its 2023 launch of the eye comfort certification for desktop monitors, TÜV Rheinland is now applying a comprehensive five-star rating system for laptops. This approach evaluates critical aspects such as image quality, ambient light control, eye care technologies, and user guidelines. The process includes 15 tests, all designed to assess features that significantly impact visual comfort.

New to this certification are bonus criteria for "Intelligent CCT Control" and "Intelligent Luminance Control," enabling products to achieve higher ratings. This global-first evaluation system offers a trusted standard for business professionals, multimedia designers, and everyday users who value screen comfort and quality. The certification motivates manufacturers to innovate while helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

To achieve certification, laptops must meet a minimum three-star rating. Three stars signify solid image quality and satisfactory performance, four stars represent outstanding image quality and light management, while five stars denote top-tier performance with an exceptional user experience.

Jay Yang, Vice President of TÜV Rheinland Greater China Electrical, states, "Our mission is to simplify the consumer decision-making process with rigorous standards and to drive innovation among display manufacturers."

TÜV Rheinland invites tech enthusiasts, media representatives, and industry experts to explore the latest eye comfort technologies showcased in various branded laptops. Consumers can also find more information through TÜV Rheinland's certification database, Certipedia.

TÜV Rheinland's star-rating system for Eye Comfort Certification evaluates AR glasses based on five dimensions: visual perception, visual health, ergonomics, human performance, and user guidance. A higher star rating signifies exceptional performance across these metrics.

A particular focus has been placed on human performance, with TÜV Rheinland establishing rigorous standards for near-eye optics and ergonomics. Tests simulated real-world scenarios to evaluate key aspects such as eye strain reduction, prolonged wear comfort, and binocular fusion accuracy.

In addition to certifying eye comfort, TÜV Rheinland conducted tests on screen content visibility under various indoor and outdoor conditions, covering maximum brightness, field of view, pixel density, contrast, transparency contrast, and geometric distortion. AR glasses that meet these standards are certified High Visibility performance, ensuring an enhanced and more comfortable viewing experience for users.

Zongkai Liu, Product Head of XREAL, states that "XREAL One Series is equipped with a custom silicon chip 'X1 Chip' designed specifically for optical see-through (OST) AR glasses, enabling spatial computing and meeting the high-performance demands of users. The One Series not only offers a wide field of view but also provides a more stable spatial screen with low-latency technology for consistent spatial display. We are thrilled that the One Series is the first to receive TÜV Rheinland's latest Eye Comfort (5 Star) and High Visibility Certificates, offering users immersive AR experiences without compromising their eye health."

Frank Holzmann, Global Senior Vice President of TÜV Rheinland Electrical, emphasizes the organization's commitment to advancing AR technology: "As AR glasses evolve with breakthroughs in optical design, interaction methods, and display technologies, TÜV Rheinland continues to lead in developing standards that prioritize user health and comfort. Our certifications provide manufacturers with a pathway to enhance product quality while offering consumers reliable, science-based purchasing guidance."

Liu Wei, Global Director of Standards and Environmental Affairs at Lenovo Group, attended the event and delivered a speech. "It takes ten years to plant a tree and see it grow. This year marks the 10th Lenovo Supplier Standards and Certification Conference, a significant milestone for Lenovo's standards and certification efforts," she said. Liu emphasized that this year marks Lenovo's 40th anniversary. Lenovo is seizing opportunities in hybrid artificial intelligence and leveraging its global strengths. In the ESG arena, Lenovo is accelerating the adoption of AI on its ESG digital management platform. This initiative aims to inspire more companies to embrace the ESG philosophy and continuously strengthen the environmental management of its global supply chain.

Jay Yang, Vice President of TÜV Rheinland Greater China Electrical, commented, "Since 2005, TÜV Rheinland has collaborated with Lenovo Group across multiple fields, helping Lenovo obtain certification for a wide range of products worldwide, supporting Lenovo's leading position in the industry, and jointly delivering innovative, consumer-centric products. Through our longstanding partnership, we have witnessed Lenovo's efforts in product compliance, green development, and ESG practices, reinforcing its leadership in environmental responsibility."

During the conference, experts from Lenovo Group and TÜV Rheinland shared insights on green supply chains and compliance management to help relevant enterprises reduce environmental risks and gain a competitive edge in the market with higher quality and safer products.

Synergies in Upstream and Downstream for Green Supply Chain Development

In the green supply chain session held in the morning, Lenovo's experts discussed several topics, including "Lenovo's Requirements for Restricted Substance Management," "Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)," "Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)," "Lenovo's ESG Strategy and Management Requirements," and "Lenovo's ESG Information Disclosure Experience and the Application of Digital Tools in ESG Data Management."

As sustainable development has become a global consensus, environmental protection regulations are increasingly valued by companies, various countries and regions have also successively introduced new regulations. For this reason, TÜV Rheinland also addressed topics such as "Global Hazardous Substances Regulation Progress," "EU ESPR Latest Requirements and Sustainable Development Strategies," and "TCO Certified 10th Generation Analysis." By combining these discussions with TÜV Rheinland's sustainable services, they aimed to provide insights for the green and low-carbon transformation of products and export strategies.

AI Empowerment: Exploring New Perspectives on Testing, Certification, and Global Market Access

In the compliance management session, TÜV Rheinland led a discussion on the rapid development of AI from the perspective of testing and certification, themed "Testing and Certification Meets AI." The focus was on identifying opportunities while mitigating potential risks associated with this development. The session also covered global key market access, addressing topics such as "Summary of the Latest Information on International Market Access," "Update of IEC 62368 Global Acceptable Status," "European and American Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection Requirements," and "European Union and Saudi Arabia Type-C Interface Common Charger Directive Solutions."

Additionally, Yin Yuang, mobile communication division director of Testing Center of the State Radio Monitoring Center, introduced Domestic Radio Transmitter Equipment Model Approval Regulations/Model Approval License Application Process. Lenovo highlighted topics such as "New Packaging Materials," and "Supply Chain Security Incident Analysis and Response Practices." This showcased Lenovo's commitment to supply chain security management and compliance control as a pioneer in low-carbon transformation and an enabler of intelligent manufacturing.

As a global leader in technical services, TÜV Rheinland has provided green solutions to clients focused on energy conservation, environmental protection, and low-carbon initiatives since 2010. With a team of experienced experts in sustainable development, environmental auditing, corporate social responsibility, and stakeholder engagement, TÜV Rheinland is dedicated to offering professional and efficient technical support to help companies develop and implement sustainable development strategies. In the future, TÜV Rheinland will continue to leverage its extensive experience and technical expertise to deliver sustainable solutions centered on green supply chains, helping China's electronics and electrical manufacturing industries achieve "green manufacturing."

Cheng Ka Ho, General Manager of Business Development at Lee Kee Group, stated, "Lee Kee Group shouldered the leading position in the metals industry and recognizes our responsibility to drive higher standards of sustainability performance. We are proud to champion initiatives that further sustainability throughout our operations and across the value chain. Our focus on innovation and sustainability elevates Lee Kee Group to a new level of governance. As an industry leader located upstream in the metals value chain, our production of zinc alloy is interwoven with everyday necessities. Therefore, it is crucial that we anticipate regulatory requirements and stay ahead of the curve. We believed small changes could bring big impact to building a better future together."

"We are honored to partner with Lee Kee Group on their sustainability journey," said Limao Tian, Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland Hong Kong. "Their achievement of ISO 14064 and ISO 14067 verification demonstrates a clear commitment to reducing environmental impact and leading the industry by example, while aligning with global best practices in GHG management and product sustainability."

The ISO 14064 standard provides organizations with a framework for quantifying, monitoring, and reporting their GHG emissions, a critical aspect of corporate sustainability. The ISO 14067 standard, which focuses on the carbon footprint of products, was awarded to two of the Group's key products. This verification underscores their dedication to not only managing their operational emissions but also ensuring that their products meet the highest environmental standards.

As an internationally recognized and independent testing service provider, TÜV Rheinland has over 15 years of extensive experience in energy conservation, environmental protection, and low-carbon emission reduction. It is an authorized and recognized greenhouse gas verification body by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS), the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt), and the Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF). Our experts bring many years of experience across a wide range of industries, making us highly qualified to support clients in enhancing their ecological sustainability.

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