How refurbished hardware is becoming a trusted choice
As featured on TVP World, a leading news channel covering Central Europe
Holiday seasons and the period beyond is traditionally a time of gifting and investment, but it is also a time when rising costs become impossible to ignore. Electronics, especially laptops and personal computers, have become a significant expense for households and organisations alike. Prices continue to climb, and expectations of further increases due to component shortages are already shaping purchasing decisions.
Against this backdrop, a clear shift is taking place. Refurbished IT hardware is no longer a fringe option. It is emerging as a reliable, professional and increasingly mainstream solution for those seeking affordable technology.
Rising prices, unchanged demand
Despite higher prices, demand for IT hardware has not slowed. Laptops remain essential tools for work, education and daily life. What has changed is how buyers approach their purchase. Organised sales of refurbished devices have been growing steadily since 2019, alongside a vast informal secondhand market between consumers.
This growth has fuelled the development of a professional refurbishment industry. Across Europe, specialised facilities now take in used devices and prepare them for resale through structured, quality-driven processes.
What refurbishment really means
Refurbished IT is often misunderstood as simply “used” hardware. In reality, professional refurbishment is a carefully controlled process designed to extend the life of devices without compromising reliability.
For Flex IT, refurbishment begins with a thorough visual and technical inspection. Every function of a device is tested, data is securely wiped according to certified standards, and components are replaced where necessary. Only when a device meets defined quality requirements is it prepared for resale.
As Erna Borbas, Impact and Sustainability Manager at Flex IT, explains to TVP World, the goal is clear: deliver a reliable device that is ready for a second life and meets high quality standards. This approach transforms pre-owned hardware into a dependable alternative to buying new.
Reducing e-waste is challenging
The rise of refurbishment is closely linked to a much larger challenge: electronic waste. Global e-waste volumes are growing rapidly, driven by short product lifecycles, limited repair options and increasing demand for technology.
Projections from the United Nations show that global e-waste could reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, up from 62 million tonnes in 2022. At the same time, formal recycling efforts are not keeping pace with this growth.
A changing landscape in Europe
The push towards longer device lifecycles is also reflected at policy level. In 2025, the European Union highlighted growing shortages of critical raw materials needed to produce electronic devices. One of its key objectives is to reduce consumption by extending the lifespan of products, including IT hardware.
This policy pressure is accelerating change across the industry. Major laptop manufacturers are increasingly embracing refurbishment, introducing certified programs and offering warranties comparable to those of new devices. Their involvement brings scale, consistency and trust, helping refurbishment move from an alternative choice to a recognised standard.
From hesitation to acceptance
For some buyers, choosing refurbished hardware still requires a mindset shift. The idea of buying a pre-owned laptop can feel unfamiliar, even when it is presented in near-new condition. Yet perceptions are evolving quickly.
As awareness grows and trust continues to build, refurbished hardware is set to play an increasingly central role in how organisations and consumers access technology. And as the news segment concluded, it may soon be entirely normal to find a professionally refurbished laptop under the Christmas tree, not as a second-best option, but as the sensible one.
