The growth of the refurbished market in Portugal and worldwide

Refurbished products are increasingly part of our daily lives. Saving and reusing has never been easier, in a market that continues to grow at a rapid pace. In recent years, the refurbished product sector has been expanding both in Portugal and worldwide, driven by demand for more economical and sustainable alternatives, as well as the urgent need to reduce electronic waste. This growth has profoundly changed the way consumers view technology.

Today, technology is essential for modern life: a computer to work, a tablet to study, or a mobile phone to communicate are indispensable tools. By choosing refurbished devices, consumers make smart choices that combine quality, affordable price, and environmental responsibility.

In this article, we analyze the evolution of the refurbished market, seeking to understand its economic impact and its contribution to more responsible consumption.

Portugal follows the global trend

At the end of 2024, the refurbished smartphone company Refurbed published a survey where 66% of Portuguese consumers stated that they consider sustainability a decisive factor in their purchases. These data show a real change in buyer behavior, who now see refurbished devices as a way to save money and protect the environment.

According to the same company, there are about 16.2 million smartphones stored in Portuguese drawers, of which between 3.8 and 5.1 million could be refurbished and reintegrated into the market. These numbers show that many consumers are moving away from buying the latest models and opting for devices from previous generations: cheaper, with modern features, and significantly more sustainable.

Furthermore, the increase in the number of stores and platforms specialized in refurbished products has helped strengthen consumer confidence and expand the national market.

Worldwide, the data is clear

Globally, the trend is similar. According to Gartner data, in the first quarter of 2021 there was a 20.2% drop in new smartphone sales, while sales of refurbished devices grew 24% in the same period.

An IDC study already estimates that the global refurbished market will reach 100 billion euros by 2027, consolidating its growing weight in the tech sector and reinforcing its importance in the circular economy.

Besides smartphones, other segments are also expanding strongly: laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and even small household appliances, creating a more diversified and accessible offer for consumers.

What is driving this growth?

The growth of this market is linked to several factors:

• More affordable prices compared to new products

• Reduction of electronic waste, one of the biggest current environmental challenges

• Growing awareness about sustainable consumption

• Increasingly advanced refurbishment processes, ensuring quality, rigorous testing, and warranty

• Better offer and more transparency, with clear certifications and aesthetic ratings

• Companies and schools joining strongly, driving bulk purchases

This combination results in a mindset shift: more informed, demanding consumers who are concerned about the environmental impact of their choices.

An intelligent, sustainable, and responsible solution

Betting on refurbished devices is no longer just an economical alternative: it becomes a rational and conscious choice. If the trend continues, the refurbished market could become one of the main forces transforming technological consumption, in Portugal and worldwide.

In a future where sustainability will be increasingly central, refurbished products have everything to take a prominent place in consumers' lives.

Image: Karola G/Source