Assurant has firmly established itself as the largest and most dominant global player in the secondary mobile device market, currently processing around 1.7 million devices each and every month. Its unmatched scale and expansive reach have positioned the company as a crucial and central force in driving circularity forward—and by doing so, significantly contributing to carbon reduction efforts across the mobile ecosystem. Through its operations, Assurant helps extend and prolong device life cycles while also cutting down and decreasing electronic waste.
Climate goals drive industry momentum
The mobile industry has been aligning itself with international climate goals since the 2015 Paris Agreement. This landmark accord, backed by 196 countries, committed the world to limit global warming to 1.5°C and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. These goals are now reinforced through frameworks like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Circularity becomes a business priority
As circular economy principles take hold, mobile players are focusing on keeping devices in circulation. Trade-in and upgrade programs are standard practices across many markets. Since 2009, Assurant and its partners have repurposed over 180 million devices, since 2019 prevented 36,000 metric tons of e-waste, and avoided 9.4 million metric tons of manufacturing-related CO₂ emissions.
Data-backed action enables change
To support carrier goals on carbon emissions, Assurant developed Carbon IQ. This tool helps quantify scope 3 emissions linked to mobile devices and supports better lifecycle planning. With over 50 global carriers committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, data-driven initiatives like Carbon IQ are essential for measurable climate impact.
Collaboration underpins lasting results
A truly circular mobile industry requires partnerships between operators, OEMs, refurbishers, recyclers, and policymakers. It also demands that sustainability strategies align with core business goals. Initiatives like certified pre-owned device programs, device-as-a-service models, and assured buybacks are expanding consumer access to high-quality used Apple iPhones and other smartphones—offering both environmental and economic benefits.
Manufacturers step up to sustainability
OEMs are also contributing. Samsung has committed to eliminating plastic from mobile product packaging, while Apple aims to be carbon neutral across its entire supply chain by 2030. Their actions are helping to embed sustainability across design, manufacturing, and delivery.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
