Despite an increase in demand for refurbished mobile devices – illustrated by an 83 per cent increase in sales of Vodafone refurbed devices, general awareness of the eco benefits of buying refurb is low with half of Brits unaware of the added carbon (and cost) savings that can be made by purchasing a refurbished phone.
In fact, Vodafone has revealed that if 50 per cent of Brits who are considering purchasing a phone in 2024 opted for a refurbished device, they could save 63.8 million kg of carbon – the equivalent to powering 88,174 three/four bedroom houses for a year.
Vodafone wants to encourage users to consider a refurbished device when looking to upgrade their phone in 2024, which reduces their carbon footprint but still helps them upgrade their smartphone to the latest Apple and Samsung models, including the iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23.
With 27 per cent of Brits turning to refurbished devices due to the environmental benefits and 42 per cent for cost savings, 30 per cent who wouldn’t consider a refurb phone are most concerned by poor battery life (64 per cent), the longevity of the phone (57 per cent) and having a faulty device (56 per cent).
Vodafone’s lifetime service promise offering on Vodafone EVO, means every new and refurbished phone comes with battery refresh and lifetime warranty at no extra cost.
All refurbished phones are available on Vodafone EVO, which provides interest-free three to 36-month phone contracts, flexible upfront costs and upgrades at three months into the plan.
Kester Mann, director, consumer and connectivity at CCS Insight, said, "It's great to see Vodafone accelerate its efforts around refurbished mobile phones. Buying pre-owned rather than brand new can significantly reduce carbon emissions at a time when protecting the planet has never been higher up the agenda.
"CCS Insight's recent consumer research for the UK shows that the share of people using a refurbished mobile phone as their primary personal device has more than doubled over the past five years to about one-in-ten. And encouragingly for future adoption, more than half expressed interest in taking a refurbished mobile phone next time they change or upgrade."
A Vodafone spokesperson said, "Our research and the 83 per cent increase that we’ve seen in our sales of refurb devices shows consumers are seeking out alternative ways to be green and this is being extended to their tech shopping habits. By highlighting the huge environmental impact buying second-hand can make, we hope to encourage more of the country to lean into the benefits of buying a refurbished device."
Vodafone's refurbished range comes fully tested with a 32-point health check and wiped of all previous data, as well as being fully sanitised.