ESG report shows that French refurbisher Recommerce continues to grow

Expanding impact and business growth 

Recommerce’s impact is evident in the numbers. Since its inception, the company has collected over 5.2 million devices, with 713,000 collected in 2023 alone. This growth underscores its critical role in combating electronic waste. The company’s revenue trajectory mirrors this success, with total earnings reaching €683 million, including €150 million in 2023, as the market for refurbished electronics continues to expand.

Beyond financial metrics, Recommerce’s environmental contributions are striking. Opting for a refurbished phone over a new one reduces the annual environmental impact by up to 91%. In 2023/2024, Recommerce also issued 28,000 CO2 credits, a testament to its commitment to offsetting its carbon footprint and driving sustainable change.

Pioneering sustainability initiatives 

Recommerce has implemented innovative initiatives to enhance its sustainability efforts. In collaboration with Ecologic, the company introduced REBOX, a network of collection points in Boulanger and Électro Dépôt stores. These easily accessible bins encourage consumers to recycle their old devices responsibly, supporting refurbishment and recycling processes.

The launch of CircularX in 2021 marked another milestone. This software platform enables brands and retailers to manage their own second-hand operations, covering the entire product lifecycle from collection to resale. CircularX represents a scalable solution for businesses eager to join the circular economy.

Sustainability extends to Recommerce’s infrastructure. Their offices in Gentilly, France, and Fribourg, Switzerland, are designed with renewable energy systems, sustainable materials, and innovative water management techniques, reflecting their commitment to green operations.

The company also prioritizes employee engagement in its sustainability mission. Staff participate in training programs such as Fresque du Climat and team-building activities. A performance-linked reward system further aligns employee efforts with corporate environmental and social goals.

Navigating challenges in the secondary electronics market

Despite its successes, Recommerce faces challenges typical of a growing industry. One pressing issue is the limited supply of used devices, particularly as competition intensifies. The company also advocates for more standardized regulations to level the playing field and mitigate unfair competition from informal players.

Another area requiring attention is the integration of eco-design principles. While Recommerce has made progress, further embedding sustainability into all facets of its operations—especially IT systems and product development—remains a priority.

Recommerce has charted a bold roadmap for the future, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and social impact. The company aims to increase the collection and refurbishment of devices, promoting circularity and reducing environmental harm.

Eco-design is at the heart of their future plans, with an emphasis on sustainable choices across all product and service developments. Achieving CO₂ neutrality is another critical goal, with specific reduction targets and collaborative efforts with stakeholders guiding their strategy.

On the social front, Recommerce is enhancing its digital inclusion programs, partnering with social enterprises, and supporting charities to make technology more accessible. Strengthening responsible governance through robust compliance systems and ethical sourcing practices further underpins its future ambitions.

Recognized excellence 

Recommerce’s commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it numerous certifications, including ISO 9001, 14001, and 27001. The EcoVadis Gold label places the company in the top 5% of global performers in sustainability. Additionally, the RECQ label guarantees the quality and traceability of its refurbished products, reinforcing consumer trust.