Many people are familiar with this scenario: After buying a new phone, the old one ends up unused in a drawer. But that’s the opposite of sustainability. The solution is “refurbished.”
What does “refurbished” actually mean?
“Refurbished” means “completely overhauled.” These are used devices that have been professionally cleaned, repaired, and tested in often more than 40 steps. Wear-and-tear parts like batteries are replaced as needed (usually when capacity drops below 80%), data is securely erased, and the software is updated. The result: technology that works just like new.
The market for this is nothing new.
The professional refurbished market began in the 1990s (including through eBay, 1995). Today, it has grown into a global billion-dollar industry: in 2024, the market volume exceeded $53 billion, with an annual growth rate of approximately 10.5%. In addition to cost savings, the primary driver is growing sustainability awareness.
What are the benefits of refurbished products?
✅ Save money: Refurbished devices are often 20 to 70% cheaper than the manufacturer’s retail price for new products.
✅ Conserve resources: You avoid the mining of rare earth elements and save valuable raw materials and energy used in production.
✅ Reduce CO₂ & e-waste: According to studies, extending the lifespan of IT devices by just one year reduces EU-wide emissions by 4 million tons annually. Additionally, e-waste is actively prevented.
✅ Security included: Unlike private sales, professional retailers typically offer a 12- to 36-month warranty as well as the statutory right of withdrawal.
Germany: Drawer instead of refurbished
Despite the advantages, Germany lags behind when it comes to refurbished products. Only one in four people has purchased a refurbished smartphone so far – a low ranking by European standards.
Instead of passing on old devices, they often end up unused in a drawer: More than half of all users keep their old smartphone after buying a new one. An estimated 210 million old devices are sitting in German drawers.
Yet these devices contain valuable raw materials such as gold, silver, and copper. Without professional processing or recycling, these valuable resources are lost to the circular economy.
Nevertheless: change is coming - slowly but surely
Once people try refurbished products, they usually stick with them. According to the Wuppertal Institute, 81% of previous buyers plan to remain loyal to the market.
In addition, the new EU Repair Directive (to be transposed into German law by July 2026) is expected to give a massive boost to refurbished devices:
- Bonus warranty: Those who repair instead of buying new receive an additional 12 months of warranty.
- Refurbished priority: When consumers opt for a repair, retailers can now officially offer refurbished devices as a sustainable replacement, provided the customer agrees.
- Spare Parts Obligation (up to 10 years): Manufacturers must make spare parts and instructions available for certain products (such as household appliances) for a specified period (often 7–10 years).
- Freedom to Repair: Manufacturers may no longer block repairs through software locks or technical barriers that prevent the use of used or 3D-printed spare parts.
Conclusion
Refurbished products are not a compromise on quality, but rather an expression of a conscious choice for quality and environmental responsibility. Consistent recycling conserves valuable resources and makes a significant contribution to climate protection.
Contact us for comprehensive advice on your compliance issues relating to electrical and electronic equipment, packaging, batteries, and PV panels.
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