New vs Refurbished: How Much Carbon Can You Save?

In a constantly changing world, interest in responsible consumption choices keeps growing. The electronics and new technology sector in particular is booming, with a multitude of new gadgets unveiled every year. Faced with this abundance, one question deserves to be asked: is it wiser to choose new or refurbished?

In this article, we look at the carbon impact of these two options and at how we, as companies, can make choices that benefit the environment while still meeting our needs.

What is a refurbished product?

A refurbished product is an item that has already been used but which, after being returned to the manufacturer or reseller, has undergone a series of tests, repairs and upgrades to restore it to a like-new condition. These products are not just ordinary second-hand items: they go through a rigorous process to make sure they work perfectly.

According to ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), "buying a refurbished mobile phone rather than a new one avoids between 64% and 87% of the annual impact. This amounts to preventing the extraction of 76.9 kg of raw materials and the emission of 24.6 kg of GHG per year of use."

It is essential to note that refurbishment gives products a second life, reducing the demand for the natural resources needed to manufacture new items. It also means less electronic waste, which keeps increasing worldwide.

New vs refurbished: what carbon impact?

The carbon footprint of a new product

The carbon footprint of a new product covers all the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from the extraction of raw materials until it reaches the market, including manufacturing, transport and distribution. When we talk about a "new" product, the implication is that no recycled or reused component goes into it, which increases its environmental footprint.

The beginning of the life cycle of IT equipment (computers, smartphones, etc.) is the most polluting stage. In fact, 83% of emissions are attributable to the production, distribution and first year of use of the 1.4 million smartphones expected to be shipped in 2022, according to Deloitte and Les Numériques. During its first year of use, a new smartphone is responsible on average for 85 kilograms of GHG emissions.

So it is clear that, even though technological advances offer ever more advanced and attractive features, the environmental cost of new products is considerable.

The carbon footprint of a refurbished product

A refurbished product, often the result of recycling or renewing previously used devices, has a significantly lower carbon footprint than a new product. This is because there is no need to extract new raw materials, which reduces the emissions associated with that stage.

A refurbished product has already lived through a first life cycle. Restoring it for a new use mainly involves cleaning, repairing and, in some cases, replacing faulty parts. These steps of course consume energy, but overall they are far less demanding than the full manufacturing process of a new product.

In addition, by choosing refurbished, we also help reduce electronic waste. Every year, tons of electronic devices are thrown away even though they could still be used or repaired. By giving these devices a second life, refurbishment plays a key role in reducing this waste.

Choosing a refurbished product is clearly good not only for your wallet but also for the planet. It lets you enjoy modern technology while staying aware of your environmental impact.

New and refurbished compared

ADEME conducted a detailed study analyzing the carbon footprint of new and refurbished electronic equipment.

The example of the smartphone

According to this study, for an individual, choosing a refurbished smartphone rather than a new one saves every year:

• 24.6 kg of CO2, the equivalent of 73.65 km driven by car;
• 76.9 kg of raw materials;
• The creation of 56 g of electronic waste.

At national level, in France, the adoption of refurbished smartphones would save every year:

• 68,878 tons of CO2, the equivalent of 206 million km driven by car;
• 215,289 tons of raw materials;
• The production of 156 tons of electronic waste.

The benefits of refurbished equipment for companies

Beyond the environmental benefits, adopting refurbished products can offer companies a wealth of advantages that address both their operational needs and their social responsibilities.

Lower costs

Choosing refurbished equipment can allow companies to make considerable savings. These products are generally sold at a much lower price than new equipment while delivering similar performance.

Durability and quality

Contrary to some preconceived ideas, refurbished products go through strict checks before being put back on the market. This guarantees not only that they work properly but also a lifespan that is often equivalent to that of new products.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

At a time when companies are increasingly expected to be environmentally responsible, buying refurbished products fits perfectly into a CSR approach. It demonstrates a concrete commitment to reducing waste and to the circular economy.

Operational flexibility

In some cases, companies need equipment for specific periods, for example for temporary projects. Buying refurbished products can meet these one-off needs without excessive costs.

Contributing to a circular economy

By choosing refurbished, companies support an economic model that favors the reuse and recovery of existing resources, thereby reducing demand for the production of new goods.

Affordable technology upgrades

Refurbished equipment can also be a solution for companies that want recent technology without investing heavily in new devices. It is not unusual to find high-end models, barely a few years old, offered at attractive prices once refurbished.

Loopix: the refurbished choice for companies

Created in 2022 by Leasetic, Loopix meets a pressing need: giving company employees the option to buy back their IT equipment, without the hassle of after-sales service. This initiative gives equipment a second life while offering an eco-friendly and economical alternative to new purchases.

The impact of information technology on the environment is well established, and the forecast that this impact could exceed that of transport by 2040 is alarming.

However, with platforms like Loopix, we have a concrete answer to this challenge. By choosing refurbished, you not only make an ethical choice but also benefit from guaranteed quality products and the assurance of a responsible purchase.

Buying refurbished is a conscious choice for the environment. With Loopix, that choice is made even easier, bringing together a winning combination of quality, savings and environmental responsibility.

Discover Loopix

‍