Reboxed launches ReboxedOS to boost circular economy efforts

Reboxed has announced the launch of ReboxedOS, a platform designed to facilitate the transition of brands, retailers, and B2B partners towards a circular economy by providing them with recommerce solutions.

The platform, focused on reducing electronic waste, offers a suite of services to streamline resale, trade-in, and recycling programmes, effectively allowing businesses to boost revenue and sustainability without significant infrastructure investment.

Reboxed was founded in 2019 by Phil Kemish and Matt Thorne amidst the first COVID-19 lockdown. Initially launched as a direct-to-consumer marketplace for technology, Reboxed evolved into a comprehensive recommerce service provider following enquiries from retailers. The company aims to rehome 100 million devices and encourages consumers to consider second-hand products as first options.

ReboxedOS provides several key services, including co-branded resale platforms, in-store and digital trade-in programmes, and solutions for returns, repair, and refurbishment. Additionally, the platform offers tools to measure sustainability impact and commercial data, thereby integrating sustainability into the business model.

Among the companies already leveraging Reboxed's services is Three Mobile, which has used ReboxedOS to launch a refurbished technology offering for its SIM-only brand, SMARTY. Reboxed has also formed partnerships with Lebara Mobile and Airtime Rewards to expand circular economy solutions for their customers.

Recommerce, which involves buying and selling pre-owned or refurbished items, is reportedly growing 16 times faster than traditional retail. This trend reflects a significant shift in consumer behaviour towards more sustainable and affordable purchasing options. In the UK alone, a quarter of all mobile phones sold were second-hand or refurbished in the past year, marking a 19% increase from 2021. This shift is occurring amidst rising concerns about electronic waste, projected to double by 2050. As evidenced by similar trends in the fashion sector, the electronics industry is now embracing recommerce.

Phil Kemish, Co-founder and CEO of Reboxed, commented on the launch, stating, “With ReboxedOS, we’re reducing tech waste and empowering brands to embrace circular commerce. By offering up to 50% savings on tech, brands can enhance customer lifetime value while promoting sustainability. As highlighted in our latest report, 'The Future of Circular Electronics', consumer demand for refurbished tech and trade-ins is outpacing traditional retail. Recommerce is now essential for brands to drive growth, engagement, and loyalty.”

Ollie Carrier, Senior Commercial Manager at Three Mobile, added, “Reboxed has been instrumental in enhancing our customer engagement and sustainability efforts. Their solutions have not only extended our customer tenure but also delivered considerable environmental benefits.”

With increasing demand for sustainable business models, ReboxedOS aims to set a new standard in Circularity-as-a-Service for modern businesses. The platform enables retailers and brands to exploit the potential of the circular economy, fostering increased customer loyalty and reduced environmental impact while driving revenue.

Consumer interest in refurbished devices is growing, with 65% of Reboxed customers purchasing refurbished devices for the first time and 57% of Gen Z considering resale value before buying new items. These statistics suggest a market ripe for disruption and considerable environmental gains. According to the United Nations, electronic waste is expected to reach 82 million tonnes per year by 2030. However, if 50% of Britons switched to refurbished devices in 2024, it could save approximately 63,750,000 kg of carbon emissions.

Co-founder Matt Thorne echoed this sentiment, saying, “Recommerce is the key to unlocking a more sustainable future for brands. We're excited to innovate the old school trade-in and e-commerce technology to put recommerce front and centre of the user experience. This can really drive customer value, extend the life of their products, and deepen their relationships with conscious consumers. Together, we can redefine value - one reboxed item at a time. It’s a win-win for businesses and the planet.”

ReboxedOS, certified as a B Corporation, heralds a new era in retail crucial for achieving a more sustainable future.