It’s clear: the IT industry is moving towards a circular economy. Refurbished devices and smarter IT asset management are no longer niche ideas. Companies, governments, public sectors and consumers are starting to rethink the old “Buy, Use, Discard” model in favor of something smarter – reuse, longevity, and responsibility. But in reality, this shift is still too slow.

In my view, choosing refurbished IT devices is no longer just a possibility – it’s common sense and increasingly common practice for companies and individuals who value sustainability and smart investment.

Most businesses are still locked into fixed refresh cycles, replacing hardware every few years – even when those devices have years of life left. In my experience, that’s a missed opportunity.

Circular IT: No longer optional, not yet the standard

At Flex IT, we’ve been driving this transition for years. We see how our Buy Back program combined with IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) can turn used hardware into renewed value -financially, operationally, and environmentally. But to unlock the full potential of circular IT, companies must integrate refurbished hardware into everyday business.

To make this an industry wide practice we need to move from pilot projects and best intentions to real, large-scale adoption. Circular IT should be the default, not the exception.

Raising the bar – together

The good news? The foundation is there. Regulations like Europe’s CSRD, growing ESG demands, and certifications like R2v3 are pushing companies in the right direction. At Flex IT, we set the bar high – giving our partners full insight into every step of the IT lifecycle, from secure data wiping to responsible refurbishment and certified recycling.

Taking responsibility as a leading Circular IT expert isn’t just about compliance, it’s about setting direction. It means that we are showing that sustainable choices and smart business go hand in hand and making it easy for others to follow.

By making circular IT practical, financially attractive, and professionally reliable, we can speed up the transition that’s already begun. We need to set a new standard so that the industry’s progress finally matches its potential.

Angelo Bul is CEO of Flex IT, Europe’s leading circular IT specialist. With decades of experience in the IT and telecom industry—including roles as Executive Vice President at Dustin and senior management positions at ZTE—Bul is passionate about building a more sustainable, circular digital future.