Used IT devices on the rise: sustainability versus scrap!

Used IT devices on the rise: sustainability versus scrap!

In recent years, the market for used IT equipment has developed dramatically. More and more companies and households are recognizing the potential of refurbishment - i.e. the professional preparation of used devices. So reported fr.de that companies like CHG-Meridian in Groß-Gerau prepare hundreds of thousands of laptops, printers and screens every year for a second use. While some devices are reused, others that are not worth processing end up in the shredder.

In 2024, CHG-Meridian was able to demonstrate the progress of its business model, which includes technology leasing, return, data deletion, refurbishment and reuse, with new contracts worth 2.83 billion euros. Awareness of economic sustainability and the desire for data protection are at the top of the agenda. The rapid depreciation of new devices, which drops by almost 40 percent after the first use, means that companies are happy to use refurbished IT. The current supply bottlenecks for rare earths and computer chips make multiple use even more attractive, although the economic benefit often takes precedence over the ideal idea of ​​sustainability. But what actually happens to the devices that cannot be reused?

The cycle in IT

More and more entrepreneurs want to rethink their IT procurement strategies and implement circular models. How Reused IT explains, so-called IT circular procurement promotes the transition from linear to circular procurement. Reuse, processing and recycling are integrated into company strategies. This not only ensures sustainable use, but also helps to avoid up to 80 percent of IT-related emissions, as a study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation predicts.

The importance of professional refurbishment should not be underestimated. Companies that reprocess their hardware in this way can significantly extend their IT life cycles, thereby saving energy and resources. Loud Environmental dialogue There are around 195 million smartphones in households in Germany - a huge potential that could be exploited. Companies give away around 23 percent of the discarded devices to employees or donate them to charitable organizations. Unfortunately, only 15 percent of companies currently use reprocessed IT, which is why there is still a lot of room for improvement.

The economic advantage

Refurbished devices are not only sustainable for companies, but also economically attractive. After five years of use, professional refurbishment is also profitable for small companies due to the price savings. In addition, could AfB, a company that specializes in IT refurbishment, will save an impressive 62,200 tons of CO2 equivalents and 233,600 megawatt hours of primary energy in 2024.

In view of advancing digitalization and increasing demands for sustainability, companies are well advised to turn to the circular approach. The combination of ecological, social and economic advantages could not only make them appear in the best light, but also sustainably reduce their costs. The move towards circular IT is not only a necessity, but also an excellent opportunity for everyone involved.