A conversation with CEO Angelo Bul and ITAD specialist Godert van Heijst about the opportunities and necessity of circular IT.
From buying back used IT hardware to a fully circular model.
Flex IT has been active in extending the lifespan of IT equipment for decades. What once started with buying back second-hand devices has now grown into a fully-fledged circular model.
‘We sell refurbished, renewed, new end-of-life and new IT hardware,’ explains CEO Angelo Bul. ‘In addition, we rent out equipment, buy back hardware, and manage a large demo pool. This is nothing new to us, but you can see that the market is only now really understanding that used IT equipment should not simply be thrown away. It is more than suitable for a second life.’
Politics, ESG and a new generation
According to Bul, circular IT is more relevant than ever. ‘Companies have ESG targets and are required to report on their carbon footprint. We are increasingly seeing companies choosing to include refurbished hardware in their IT portfolios. In addition, the new generation, our children, are growing up with second-hand phones or refurbished laptops. For them, refurbished is just as normal as new.’ Besides sustainability, there is a clear economic incentive. ‘Refurbished equipment is simply more affordable and the quality is often equivalent to new,’ says Bul.
Collaboration with vendors
Major vendors are also getting involved. ‘HP is a good example of this,’ says Bul. ‘We have been working with them for years to take in equipment, refurbish it and put it back on the market, with a warranty. We have also recently become an official part of the HP Certified Refurbished program. Circularity is increasingly becoming a strategic theme for large vendors.’ Proven standards are becoming an increasingly crucial part of the strategy.
Certified security
Flex IT has R2v3 certification, an internationally recognised standard for responsible IT hardware processing. ‘This means that our entire process, from collection to refurbishment, reuse and recycling, is fully documented and monitored,’ says Bul. ‘For many American companies, this is actually a prerequisite for working with us.’
Buy Back program with IT Asset Disposition Service: from inventory to recycling
While Bul outlines the strategy, Godert van Heijst takes us through the practicalities of IT Asset Disposition (ITAD). ‘The process starts with the customer’s request. Sometimes we erase data directly on site, sometimes we collect the equipment and carry out this process in our warehouse. Grading is the next step. We then determine which devices are suitable for refurbishment, which for harvesting parts and which can only be recycled.’
This recycling is carried out in accordance with the R2v3 standard. ‘Batteries and hazardous substances are sent to partners who are also certified. This allows us to offer complete transparency – right down to the granulate level.’
Preserving value through smart use
According to Van Heijst, awareness is a crucial step. ‘Many organisations do not realise that their used hardware still has value. That is why we advise customers at the time of purchase. A simple measure such as our wrapping service for laptops ensures that devices return in much better (cosmetic) condition and are more easily given a second life.’
The way devices are stored also plays a role. ‘We still see stacks of twenty laptops on top of each other. That causes damage. With the right tools, IT managers can store devices responsibly and retain more value.’
From ROI to sustainability
Whereas ITAD used to be primarily about return on investment, Flex IT now sees a clear shift. ‘Sustainability is becoming increasingly important,’ says Van Heijst. ‘Our R2v3 certification fits in perfectly with this. We take full responsibility for the entire process: from depreciation to reuse or recycling. Every laptop we reuse means that no new ones need to be produced – and that’s a win-win for the planet.’
Momentum for growth
With over 35 years of experience, Flex IT sees that circular IT is now really gaining momentum. Bul: ‘The percentage of companies using refurbished equipment is still relatively low, but this is expected to triple or even quadruple in the next five to seven years. For us, that means a lot of tailwind. Circular IT is not only better for the world, it is also the most logical and economically responsible choice.’
