Study by Interzero and Fraunhofer UMSICHT: Refurbishing IT equipment reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 37 percent

Berlin/Melle. How sustainable is using refurbished technology really? This is the question circular economy service provider Interzero and the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT set out to answer in a joint study. Its findings reveal that refurbishing IT equipment can make a key contribution to avoiding GHG emissions, with refurbished smartphones showing particularly impressive results.

The study entitled "Greenhouse gas savings achieved by reusing selected ICT devices" focuses on current data on the environmental impact, especially GHG emissions, of reused IT devices and examines the ecological footprint of equipment such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs with and without a second life.

Reused smartphones deliver the greatest potential savings 
The study’s findings once again highlight the importance of circular solutions in the electronics sector Depending on the type of device, reusing or refurbishing equipment can save between 18 and 37 percent of GHG emissions, with smartphones having a particularly high savings potential as giving these a second life can save 34.7 kg in GHG emissions. Compared to a single conventional life cycle, reusing a smartphone reduces GHG emissions by around 37 percent. Tablets given a second life save around 34 percent or 59.4 kg in GHG emissions. Compared to a conventional life cycle, refurbished laptops save around 31 or 107 kg and desktop PCs around 18 percent or 163 kg in GHG emissions.  

IT remarketing: businesses benefit from environmental and economic advantages
Companies that choose to give decommissioned communications equipment a second life through remarketing benefit in two ways. The current study’s findings are the basis for the "resources SAVED" certificates. Businesses that manage their IT equipment in a closed loop together with Interzero can use these certificates to demonstrate their sustainable contribution in their sustainability reporting.

"Sustainability calculations in the ICT sector are becoming increasingly complex because technology, usage behaviour and standards are changing so quickly," says Jan Höschel, Managing Director of Interzero Product Cycle GmbH. "This makes it all the more important for us to provide our customers and partners with up-to-date figures that enable them to present their environmental performance transparently.”

In addition to delivering environmental benefits, remarketing IT equipment also offers economic opportunities, as hardware that is not disposed of but sent for certified data erasure and resale can generate significant revenue.

"The results of the study demonstrate that sustainable business practices and economic opportunities can go hand in hand. Refurbishment and reuse yield new potential for value creation while at the same time making a significant contribution to protecting our planet," explains Philipp Rittershaus, research associate at Fraunhofer UMSICHT.  

About the study:
Entitled "Greenhouse gas savings achieved by reusing selected ICT devices", the study draws on a life cycle analysis covering all phases – from resource extraction and production to distribution, use and disposal – supported by primary data from Interzero relating to all processing costs. The study analysed two usage scenarios: reuse (including further steps such as processing, transport and a second life) and refurbishment (including the replacement of individual components in addition to reuse). The savings determined are based on Interzero's respective treatment processes. The life cycle analysis of smartphones and tablets focused on reuse, while laptops and desktop PCs were primarily examined for refurbishment-related GHG savings.

The full study is available free of charge via the following website:
IT- und Kommunikationsgeräte | Interzero - zero waste solutions

Fraunhofer UMSICHT 
Pioneering the way to a sustainable world
Fraunhofer UMSICHT supports industries and society in the transfer to a climate-neutral and circular economic system. Our research focuses on Circular Economy, Green Hydrogen, Carbon Management and Local Energy Systems.

We develop materials and processes for the circular use of resources and for the electrochemical production, use and storage of green hydrogen. We also offer solutions for the sustainable use of carbon and develop energy concepts for climate-neutral residential, commercial and industrial sites.

We combine expertise in process engineering, energy technology and materials development with a comprehensive view of the challenges facing large-scale industry, SMEs and society. We provide holistic utilization advice, point out options for action, weigh them up and develop the best solution in each case.
 

About Interzero:
Interzero is one of the leading service providers in the field of closing product, material and logistics loops as well as an innovation leader in plastics recycling with the largest sorting capacity in Europe. Under the guiding principle of “zero waste solutions”, the company supports over 80,000 customers throughout Europe in the responsible handling of recyclable materials, thus helping them to improve their own sustainability performance and conserve primary resources. With about 2,000 employees, the company achieves a turnover of nearly one billion euros. According to Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Interzero’s recycling activities could save 1.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases compared to primary production and 11.1 million tonnes of primary raw materials in 2023 alone. As a pioneer in the circular economy, Interzero is winner of the German Sustainability Award as well as the related special award in the "Resources" transformation field for 2024. For further information, please visit www.interzero.com.