IT refurbishing extends the lifespan of laptops and smartphones, conserves resources, and reduces electronic waste. The federal government aims to promote this with a new action program, in line with similar initiatives at the EU level.
By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle; Photo: Lala Azizli via Unsplash
Using electronic devices for longer is an effective lever to conserve resources and reduce emissions. However, in Germany, laptops, smartphones, and tablets are usually replaced after one and a half to two years – long before their technical potential is exhausted.
IT refurbishing can significantly extend this lifespan. Professional reconditioning of used devices not only prevents large amounts of electronic waste but also saves raw materials, water, and energy.
Circular Economy as a Strategic Goal
Various analyses from across Europe show the significant impact of reuse on the environment and health: CO₂ emissions, pollutant output, and the consumption of scarce materials measurably decrease.
Against this backdrop, the German federal government aims to strengthen the refurbishing sector, thereby making an important contribution to the circular economy. Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider recently presented the cornerstones of a new nationwide action program at Berlin-based electronics refurbisher Rebuy, designed to accelerate the transition to more durable, resource-saving IT product cycles.
Millions of Unused Devices and Valuable Raw Materials
According to studies, 200 million unused smartphones are stored in German households alone. Many of these could be put back into operation after professional reconditioning. Reuse not only protects the environment but also eases the burden on raw material supply, as old devices contain significant amounts of valuable metals and rare earths.
Extended Lifespan Through New Regulations
Future European regulations aim to ensure that devices remain operational for longer. Multi-year update obligations, available spare parts, and transparent repair information are intended to reduce repair efforts and extend the service life – all central prerequisites for a functioning circular economy.
Example of a Successful Circular Model
The scale of the ecological impact is illustrated by Rebuy: The Berlin-based company generated more than €220 million in revenue in 2023 and prevented around 200 tons of e-waste through refurbishment and resale.
The market is growing, and additional providers such as Refurbed, Swappie, Clevertronic, AsGoodAsNew, Back Market, Refurbica, Amso, Molano, ReuseIT, Furbify and Zoxs are relying on scalable refurbishment processes and products.
Study: Known Concept, Low Adoption – Germany Lags Behind
Despite widespread awareness, German smartphone users less frequently opt for refurbished devices compared to international counterparts. This is revealed by the study “Refurbished instead of new” from the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment, Energy.
Among the five countries examined (Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, UK), Germany ranks last. France is the frontrunner.
Generational Differences in Purchasing Behavior
The study reveals clear differences between age groups: Younger consumers are open to used, professionally reconditioned devices, while older users are often uncertain.
With the new action program, the federal government aims to reduce barriers, make reuse more attractive, and increase Germany’s independence from global raw material and chip supply chains.
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