The secondary smartphone market in Poland is expanding, and the demand for sustainable technology solutions is growing. The recent addition of French refurbisher Largo as a partner for Orange Poland is a clear sign of this. The Polish network was already offering used devices from Recommerce, Cadaoz (Cordon Electronics), and Bolttech to their customers. The expansion of partnerships aims to provide a diverse and high-quality range of refurbished phones to Polish consumers. Smart move from Orange Poland as, due to supply restrains in the global market of used devices, it is a safe bet to work with multiple partners.
Rising consumer interest in refurbished devices
Recent studies highlight the increasing interest in refurbished smartphones. According to the Recommerce Barometer presented at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, over 52% of Europeans expressed their intention to buy a refurbished smartphone, with 67% citing affordability as the main motivation. The trend is also visible in Poland, where the ‘2024 Annual Study on Consumer Electronics 2nd Life’ revealed that 45% of Poles are considering purchasing a refurbished smartphone in the near future, and 20% are already using one.
The environmental impact of choosing refurbished devices
The shift towards refurbished smartphones offers significant environmental benefits. Buying a refurbished device reduces carbon emissions by up to ten times compared to purchasing a new one, with emissions at just 7.5 kg CO2e versus approximately 85 kg CO2e for new production. By extending the life cycle of devices, consumers contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, conservation of natural resources, and minimization of electronic waste.
Quality assurance and environmental motivations
Consumers' interest in refurbished devices is driven primarily by affordability (67%), followed by environmental concerns (39%). Additional factors include the provision of warranties (27%), availability of higher-end models (31%), and access to after-sales service (18%). The market's growth reflects an increasing awareness of the climate crisis, with more people opting for sustainable options and appreciating the environmental benefits of using refurbished smartphones.
Background of Largo
Largo, a French company specializing in refurbishing smartphones, has been growing steadily since its IPO in 2021. Based in Nantes, Largo focuses on sustainable practices by using components from pre-owned phones for their refurbishment. In 2023 Largo had a revenue of € 21.5 million, just slightly higher than in 2022. Since 2019 the company was loss making.
Growing popularity of refurbished phones in Orange stores
Orange customers are also showing a preference for refurbished devices. The sales of second-hand phones in their stores have doubled year over year, underlining the growing demand. Orange ensures that all refurbished phones offered come with a 24-month warranty and are available both online and in-store. Each phone is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and securely wiped of data, functioning as well as a new device.
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