Cutting Costs and Carbon: The Smart Business Case for Refurbished Smartphones

Jul 10, 2024 | insights

In today’s corporate and public sector environments, cost efficiency and environmental responsibility are paramount. Buying a refurbished smartphone instead of a new one significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Research indicates that refurbishing a smartphone can cut its associated greenhouse gas emissions by about 87-92% compared to producing a new device​ (Greenly)​​ (Impakter)​​ (Back Market)​. Manufacturing a new smartphone typically releases around 84 kg of CO2 into the atmosphere, primarily due to the extraction and processing of raw materials, as well as energy-intensive manufacturing processes​ (Greenly)​​ (Impakter)​. Opting for a refurbished phone can prevent much of this environmental impact, contributing to a substantial reduction in emissions and conserving valuable resources.

iPhone SE, 2nd Gen

This shift is not only beneficial for the environment but also makes economic sense for businesses and public sector organisations looking to reduce costs. Buying refurbished smartphones can result in significant financial savings, often costing 30-50% less than brand-new devices. This price reduction doesn’t come at the expense of quality; reputable refurbishers rigorously test, repair, and certify these devices to ensure they function like new, frequently offering warranties to guarantee performance and reliability. This makes refurbished smartphones an attractive option for organisations aiming to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality technology​ (Tekeir Blog)​​ (InsideHook)​. So, organisations can lower their expenses on new technology while simultaneously supporting sustainability initiatives​ (Back Market)​​ (Reboxed)​. 

Billmonitor’s impact

In the last 18 months, by purchasing 590 refurbished smartphones instead of new ones, a total of approximately 44,356 kg of CO2 emissions have been saved. This represents a significant reduction from the 49,560 kg of CO2 that would have been emitted if new devices were bought, down to about 5,204 kg with refurbished devices. This demonstrates an emissions savings of around 89.5%.

In addition to cost savings, choosing refurbished smartphones supports corporate sustainability goals and enhances an organisation’s reputation for environmental responsibility. Refurbished devices help mitigate the environmental impact associated with electronic waste, aligning with broader efforts to promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprints​ (InsideHook)​.

At Billmonitor, we support businesses and public sector organisations in making informed decisions to transition to a greener, more cost-effective mobile strategy. 

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