Recommerce, a French pioneer in refurbished technology, has solidified its position as a European leader in smartphone trade-in, refurbishment, and resale. According to a press release, the company has given a second life to more than six million smartphones and paid over € 370 million to consumers since its founding. In 2024, Recommerce reported 15% growth, reaching € 175 million in revenue through key partnerships with Bouygues Télécom, Orange, SFR, Free, Boulanger, Vodafone, Microsoft, Samsung, and Amazon. A spokesperson told SecondaryMarket.news, “We also stand out as one of the players with a positive EBITDA.” That claim could be valid—our previous reporting showed that many larger European players have struggled financially. While Recommerce may be an exception, its net profit or loss figures remain unknown. It would be great if Recommerce shared net result as well.
Driving circular economy solutions
Its trade-in and refurbishment solutions allow telecom operators, retailers, and manufacturers to offer customers a more sustainable alternative to new devices. By maintaining a presence in 12 European countries, Recommerce ensures that its operations remain both local and resilient, contributing to an annual growth rate of 20% on average.
Environmental impact recognized with carbon credits
Between 2022 and 2023, Recommerce helped avoid more than 28,000 tons of CO2 emissions. As a result, the company has issued over 28,000 carbon credits, now available for purchase. This initiative highlights the environmental benefits of refurbishment and supports further investment in circular economy projects.
A long-term vision for sustainability
Founded in 2009 by Pierre-Etienne Roinat, Benoît Varin, Antoine Jeanjean, and Cédric Maucourt, Recommerce has consistently focused on prolonging product life cycles to reduce environmental impact. Initially launched as a white-label mobile trade-in service, the company quickly attracted major telecom operators and manufacturers such as Bouygues Telecom, SFR, and Samsung.
International growth and technological innovation
Recommerce has been expanding internationally since 2014, now operating in 12 European countries, including the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, and Poland. Alongside its international expansion, the company has invested in technology solutions like CircularX, a SaaS platform launched in 2021 to streamline circular economy practices. Recommerce also introduced Recommerce Copilot, an AI-driven tool that enhances trade-in diagnostics for in-store buyback programs.
Carbon credits as a step forward
In September last year, Recommerce began offering carbon credits through Riverse, a certification platform specializing in circular economy projects. Selling these credits allows Recommerce to further invest in local, sustainable business models while increasing the volume of refurbished devices. The initiative also strengthens consumer purchasing power by expanding trade-in programs and creating local job opportunities.
Social responsibility through partnerships
Recommerce has maintained a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility since its inception. Through MonExTel, launched in 2009, consumers could trade in old phones and donate the device’s value to charity. Over time, this program collected nearly 58,000 devices, generating €163,200 for nonprofit organizations.
The company also collaborates with social enterprises, such as ESAT du Cailly in France and Réalise in Switzerland, for logistics, sorting, and repairs. Additionally, Recommerce donates €1 per e-commerce order to sustainability-focused organizations like Surfrider Europe and Zero Waste France, contributing more than € 234,000 to environmental and social causes.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
