AUTO1, one of Europe’s leading automotive technology companies, saw an opportunity to recover value from used IT hardware — without compromising on data security, transparency, or sustainability. Their goal: align IT asset disposition (ITAD) with strict ESG standards. Through the Flex IT Buy Back program, they implemented a certified solution that securely wiped data, tracked each device’s journey, and ensured every asset was either refurbished, repaired, harvested for parts, or responsibly recycled.
Buy Back program with ITAD services
AUTO1 wasn’t looking for a basic Buy Back service. They needed a strategic partner who could guarantee secure, certified data wiping, provide full audit trails, and support ESG reporting with verified metrics.
Flex IT delivered a complete, compliant ITAD service — backed by key certifications including R2v3, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, Climate-Neutral Certified, and Weeelabex. Providing AUTO1 with a future-proof foundation to manage used IT assets responsibly.
Full visibility, every step of the way
The process began with a coordinated hardware collection from AUTO1 locations, scheduled to minimise disruption to their daily operations. Each device was securely packed and transported to a Flex IT processing centre, where it underwent a certified intake and handling procedure.
Upon arrival, all hardware was:
- Scanned and registered using unique asset identifiers.
- Inspected for cosmetic and functional condition.
- Graded according to predefined highest quality standards.
- Processed with secure data wiping or physical destruction of data carriers, depending on device condition and data sensitivity.
Evaluated to ensure each asset serves a purpose: refurbished, remarketed, repaired, harvested for parts, or responsibly recycled. Nothing is wasted.
From that point forward, the Flex IT Portal offered AUTO1 full insight and control over their assets.
Through the portal, AUTO1 could:
- Access Basic Audit Reports with customer asset IDs, manufacturer and model details, serial numbers, IMEI numbers, and device weights — key inputs for CMDB management.
- Download the Customer Report, containing everything from the Basic Report plus per-asset resale value, ITAD processing costs, grading, wipe method used (e.g., Blancco or physical destruction), and final status.
- Retrieve data wipe certificates or certificates of destruction per individual device.
- Track CO₂ savings, recycled materials avoided, and value recovered — all crucial inputs for ESG and CSRD reporting.
- Visualise remarketing performance and lifecycle data through interactive dashboards.
This gave AUTO1 full traceability – from collection to final processing – and a reliable, central source of truth for internal documentation and sustainability reporting.
Making sustainability visible
The portal truly stands out in turning IT asset recovery into measurable ESG impact. AUTO1 could track:
✅ CO₂ savings and GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions reduced (in kg)
✅ Recycled materials and toxic materials reduced (in kg)
✅ Total value recovered (in euros)
✅ Number of devices remarketed
✅ Interactive dashboards for asset lifecycle and financial return
✅ Data integrations for CMDB and CSRD reporting
Scalable impact across the business
The partnership worked so well that other AUTO1 brands — including Wijkopenautos.nl — adopted the same Buy Back program with ITAD services. AUTO1 now manages IT assets in a centralized, compliant, and circular way, ensuring every business unit contributes to shared ESG and efficiency goals.
In AUTO1’s own words:
“We are proud to work with companies who share the same vision and promote the same values as AUTO1 in terms of sustainable practices and protection of the environment. Flex IT, a long-time external business partner, is one of the leading circular IT specialists in Europe.
Aligned with our own sustainable efforts at AUTO1, Flex IT helps us prolong the lifecycle of IT products in various ways, reduce our environmental footprint, recover value, and postpone the use of new IT equipment for as long as possible.”
Tangible results
- Recovered the maximized value of AUTO1’s used IT hardware
- Secure data wiping and full audit trails for every asset
- Real-time access to financial and sustainability metrics via the portal
- R2v3-certified processing to reduce e-waste and raw material use
- Enhanced CSRD-compliant sustainability reporting and CMDB integration
- Interactive dashboards for lifecycle and financial insights
- Measured environmental impact, including insights into CO₂ savings, reduced toxic materials, and number of devices remarketed
Looking ahead
AUTO1’s journey with Flex IT shows that Buy Back is more than secure disposal — it’s a powerful driver of circularity, cost-efficiency, and sustainability leadership. By giving used IT hardware a second life, both companies are reducing impact while increasing value. A true win-win.
