From old to new! repair and secondary use are not only an important factor in circular economy, but also make expensive, sustainably manufactured products more affordable for a wider section of the population. Therefore, refurbished products, i.e. used goods that have been overhauled and reconditioned by experts, are becoming increasingly popular with consumers. Study by metoda GmbH on the most popular items on idealo.de on behalf of eBay, that consumers can now also use refurbished items for 40% of the products examined. And buying refurbished goods is twice as worthwhile, because it allows you to save both money and CO2 to save.
Why are refurbished products sustainable?
The UN Global E-Waste Monitor shows: electronic waste accounts for the fastest growing amount of waste in European households. The main reason for this is the ever shorter life cycles of products and few repair options. According to the UN study, this results in around 10 million tonnes of electronic waste being generated in Europe alone every year, of which only around 40% Recycling This saves energy after Calculations by Fraunhofer Austria Refurbished smartphones, tablets and laptops save on average 80% CO compared to new purchases2, 73% e-waste and 90% water. In summary, the reprocessing of old products offers the following benefits for the environment:
- Conservation of resources: By recycling existing products, the need for new raw materials such as metals or rare earths for production is reduced. This contributes to the protection of natural Resources and reduces the ecological footprint.
- Reduction of electronic waste: Many electrical devices end up in the trash prematurely, even though they are still functional or could be repaired. Refurbishment extends the useful life of these devices and thus reduces the amount of electronic waste.
- Energy saving: The production of new products requires significant amounts of energy. By reusing products, this amount of energy is saved and the CO2-Footprint reduced.
- Promoting the circular economy: Refurbished products are an important part of the circular economy, in which resources are kept in the economic cycle for as long as possible instead of ending up as waste.
Source & Copyright by eBay
What other benefits do refurbished products offer?
In addition to the ecological aspects, the refurbished products offer numerous other advantages for consumers:
- economical: Refurbished products are usually significantly cheaper than new devices, making them an attractive option for price-conscious buyers.
- Quality guarantee: Many suppliers offer a guarantee on refurbished products, similar to that for new products.
- Wide selection: Refurbished devices are available in a wide range of categories, from smartphones to household and beauty tools.
Top 5 brands for refurbished products
Many brands now have their own range of refurbished products on offer. The in-house experts refurbish devices, for example those that have been returned or exhibited at trade fairs. Whether you are looking for a mobile or hair styling tool, you will find what you are looking for at these manufacturers:
- Dyson
- Apple
- Philips
- De'Longhi
- KitchenAid
Dyson
The high-tech brand from the UK offers a "Renewed Program" that includes refurbished hair styling devices such as the iconic "Airwrap Styler" or the "Supersonic" hairdryer, the popular bagless vacuum cleaners and air conditioners. All products are extensively checked by Dyson, professionally cleaned and tested and, if necessary, equipped with original spare parts. Every refurbished device comes with a 30-day return policy and a 1-year guarantee. This means Dyson extends the lifespan of its products, reduces raw material consumption and customers can enjoy a high-tech tool at an affordable price.
Refurbished range: Hair stylers, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners
Where to buy: dyson.com or eBay Restore
Source & Copyright by Dyson
Apple
The Silicon Valley giant also offers almost its entire range as certified refurbished goods. Whether Mac, iPad, iPhone, AirPods or Apple TV - the used devices are reconditioned, cleaned and subjected to a rigorous testing process by in-house specialists. Refurbished iOS devices also come with a new battery and a new case. Each product is delivered with all accessories, all cables and the appropriate operating system. Apple's refurbished devices are up to 15% cheaper than new devices, are in their original packaging and come with a one-year warranty and the typical Apple quality promise.
Refurbished range: Smartphones, computers, headphones, speakers
Where to buy: apple.com
Source & Copyright by Apple
Philips
From innovative IPL hair removers to baby monitors and irons: the Dutch electronics company Philips also offers refurbished products that are fully functional and are given a second life. All products undergo thorough cleaning and testing before they set off on their journey to new owners. To ensure a safe purchase, Philips offers a 2-year guarantee on all refurbished devices. The brand is constantly expanding its range and now offers refurbished products in 10 countries. According to the company, in 2022 alone, the amount of electronic waste saved thanks to the refurbishment initiative was a whopping 139 tons.
Refurbished range: Personal care and hair styling tools, coffee machines, irons, vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, air purifiers
Where to buy: philips.com
Source & Copyright by Philips
De'Longhi
"Renova" is the keyword under which the Italian coffee machine specialist sells refurbished machines. Through a strict reconditioning process, the machines are restored to a new condition and are 100% functional like a new machine. The refurbished machines from De'Longhi come with a two-year warranty and enable customers to experience high-quality coffee enjoyment while reducing waste and conserving resources.
Refurbished range: Coffee machines
Where to buy: delonghi.com
Source & Copyright by De'Longhi
KitchenAid
For anyone who dreams of a KitchenAid food processor but is wary of the high costs, the US manufacturer's "Certified Refurbished Program" is a good and sustainable option. KitchenAid kitchen appliances are considered to be of particularly high quality and durable anyway. All products in the refurbished line are thoroughly tested, packaged as new and come with a 1-year guarantee. In the USA, KitchenAid sells its refurbished line itself. In Germany, we have the option of purchasing refurbished products certified by KitchenAid, for example via Back Market.
Refurbished range: Kitchen appliances such as stand mixers, food processors, toasters, hand mixers
Where to buy: kitchenaid.com or backmarket.com
Source & Copyright by KitchenAid
Top 5 platforms for refurbished products
If you want to find out about the complete range of refurbished devices and compare prices, you've come to the right place on one of the practical online platforms for refurbished devices:
- eBay Restore
- refurbed
- Amazon Renewed
- upway
- Back Market
eBay Restore
The used goods platform also offers a section called Re-Store where customers can find refurbished products in 140 different categories. These include smartphones, tablets, printers, monitors, headphones, but also beauty and household appliances. The Re-Store divides its refurbished products into different conditions from "certified" to "good". All refurbished items have also been checked, cleaned and tested by verified sellers or the manufacturing company itself.
Brands: e.g. Apple, Samsung, Dyson, De'Longhi
Where to buy: ebay.de
Source & Copyright by eBay
refurbed
Refurbed is a marketplace for refurbished products from all areas of everyday life. The range extends from electronic devices to household and lifestyle products to sporting goods such as (e-)bikes and snowboards. The company offers products that are up to 40% cheaper and are restored to new condition through an extensive renewal process of up to 40 steps. Refurbed also offers a guarantee of at least 12 months and a 30-day return guarantee.
Brands: e.g. Apple, AEG, Vorwerk, KitchenAid
Where to buy: refurbed.com
Source & Copyright by Refurbed
Amazon Renewed
Online giant Amazon has also recognized the potential of refurbished products and offers Amazon Renewed as a trustworthy point of contact for repaired and tested products. Whether it's a smartphone, laptop or household appliance - every product is thoroughly checked, tested and cleaned by qualified providers to ensure that it meets the highest standards. With the Amazon Renewed guarantee, you also have one year to get a replacement or a refund if you are dissatisfied.
Brands: Apple, Nikon, HP
Where to buy: amazon.de
Source & Copyright by Amazon
upway
The first port of call for refurbished E-Bikes offers Upway. The platform buys electric bikes from private individuals and business partners, renews them in around 20 steps and then sells them at up to 60% less than the new price. Buyers receive a 12-month guarantee on the bike, including the battery and motor, so that they can pedal carefree and continue to reduce CO2 can save.
Brands: e.g. Haibike, Riese & Müller, Cube, Gazelle
Where to buy: upway.de
Source & Copyright by Upway
Back Market
We also get the finest in innovative technology from Back Market. The platform works hand in hand with professional dealers and their workshops. This guarantees that every single device has been thoroughly tested and is 100% functional. And all at a fair price. Buyers also receive a 12-month guarantee on their products. Back Market was able to obtain B-Corp certification for its sustainable business concept.
Brands: e.g. Apple, Samsung, Bose, Sennheiser
Where to buy: backmarket.com
Source & Copyright by Back Market
Conclusion: If you buy refurbished, you buy smart!
Refurbished products offer a promising alternative for anyone who values sustainability and cost efficiency. Thanks to professional processing and quality control, buyers receive high-quality products at reasonable prices. At the same time, resources are saved and the environmental impact is reduced compared to buying a new product. Refurbished products are an important part of the circular economy and help to preserve our planet for future generations. After all, only by more conscious consumption achieve a positive impact in the long term and reduce our ecological footprint.
