Refurbed, the Vienna-based marketplace for refurbished and used electronics, has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, doubling down on its mission to reduce environmental impact by challenging the traditional take-make-dispose model. The report is structured around two pillars: a yearly “Impact Story” and a detailed “Impact Report” that tracks progress on purpose, planet, and people.
112 million phones ready for reuse
This year’s “Impact Story” focuses on a pressing issue: unused smartphones in Europe. Research conducted with Fraunhofer Austria estimates that 346 million smartphones are currently unused in refurbed’s European markets, with 112 million considered fit for refurbishment. Reusing these phones could prevent 7.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, 2.7 billion litres of water use, 16,800 tonnes of e-waste, 4,450 tonnes of critical raw materials, and 137 tonnes of conflict minerals.
Why people don't trade in phones
To activate this circular potential, refurbed launched a trade-in service in eight European countries in 2024. Common reasons for not trading in include keeping devices as a backup (31%), concerns about data security (29%), lack of awareness (21%), and perceived hassle (15%). Refurbed addresses these concerns with data-erasure guarantees, consumer education, and a simplified return process.
Purpose-driven growth and advocacy
Refurbed continues its advocacy efforts, supporting EU policy initiatives such as the Ecodesign Regulation and Right to Repair Directive. It remains a B Corp-certified business, measuring its performance not only in economic terms but also environmental and social impact.
Environmental impact is measurable
To date, refurbed has sold over 4 million refurbished devices, avoiding more than 318,000 tonnes of CO2 and saving 106 billion litres of water. In 2024 alone, it saved 102,000 tonnes of CO2. It also monitors its corporate emissions (31,148 tonnes CO2e in 2024), most of which come from Scope 3 sources.
People at the centre of impact
With over 350 employees from 34 countries, refurbed prioritises diversity, fair pay, and remote flexibility. Gender pay gaps remain a challenge (29.1%), but efforts to close it are ongoing. Customers benefit from refurbished products that are on average 54% cheaper than new, and 80% of them would buy refurbished again.
Growth ambitions remain high
Refurbed operates in 12 European countries and continues to expand its product range. In 2023, the company reached € 1 billion in GMV. For 2025, it aims to double that and surpass 30,000 listed products, as it works toward making refurbished the new standard in consumer electronics.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
