Lenovo has introduced a Certified Refurbishment Services program across 14 European markets to help organisations extend the usable life of their existing technology. Launched on 27 November, the service enables businesses to refurbish Lenovo devices already in circulation, reducing the need for new purchases while easing procurement pressure and lowering operational costs.
Supporting circular strategies
The initiative arrives as European policymakers prepare the forthcoming Circular Economy Act. Expected in 2025 and launching fully in 2026, the Act will support the European Parliament’s 2050 goal of a fully circular economy. The new service aligns with this direction by offering companies a structured path to reuse or repurpose their own technology rather than commit to early device retirement.
Wide availability across Europe
Certified Refurbishment Services will be available in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. By offering a single refurbishment model across these markets, Lenovo aims to help organisations of different sizes and sectors respond to rising sustainability requirements and increasingly complex procurement demands.
Responding to the e-waste challenge
The UN identifies e-waste as the fastest-growing domestic waste stream globally. The volume of discarded electronics continues to rise faster than the documented capacity to recycle them. Lenovo positions its refurbishment initiative as a practical measure to help slow this trend by extending the lifespan of technology already in use, particularly as businesses adopt stricter environmental policies.
Meeting EU sustainability targets
The service will support compliance efforts linked to the EU Green Deal, which targets a minimum 50% emissions reduction by 2030, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requiring more comprehensive ESG disclosures. Lenovo executives say the program will help organisations optimise technology use while remaining aligned with European sustainability standards. According to Greg Smith, executive director for solutions and services in EMEA, businesses are seeking solutions that meet environmental goals without raising costs or slowing innovation.
Smarter refresh cycles
Lenovo states that the refurbishment model allows organisations to balance new and refurbished devices across the fleet. Fully functional hardware can be redeployed, upgraded with additional RAM where needed, and allocated according to performance requirements. High performance roles or AI focused workflows can prioritise new purchases while refurbished units continue serving day-to-day functions, reducing total cost of ownership and supporting more efficient IT budgeting.
Lower emissions through extended use
Research from Lenovo indicates that extending the lifespan of electronics by 30% can reduce annual emissions by up to 20%. James Pennington, Lenovo’s global director of sustainability services, notes that improved materials management could save the EU industry hundreds of millions of tonnes of CO2 annually. Lenovo reports that seven in ten of the devices it collects are already reused or refurbished, highlighting the potential impact of refurbishment at scale.
Strong global shipment presence
Lenovo closed 2024 with approximately 61.8 million PC shipments, according to IDC, representing a 23.5% market share. Gartner reported a similar figure of 62.5 million units and a 25.5% share, illustrating strong consensus among market trackers on the company’s continued leadership.
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