Technological advancements are happening at lightning speed, making the importance of sustainability within the technology industry paramount. Reused or refurbished IT, often misunderstood, offers a promising path towards a more sustainable and economically viable future. Inside Systems is leading this movement by promoting refurbished IT solutions that combine economic sensibility with environmental responsibility.
The Economic Benefits of Refurbished IT
One of the most compelling reasons to choose reused IT equipment is cost-effectiveness. Studies show that businesses can save significantly — often up to 40-60% — compared to the costs of new units. This cost reduction makes technology accessible to established companies, enabling them to allocate funds to other critical areas without compromising on quality. Additionally, reused equipment tends to retain its value longer, providing a better return on investment when it’s time to upgrade.
Environmental Impact
On the environmental front, the benefits of refurbished IT are even more striking. Electronic waste now accounts for over 50 million tons globally each year, with only about 20% of this waste being officially recycled. By reusing IT components, Inside Systems reduces the amount of waste and the need for new production, thereby reducing the extraction of rare materials. This is crucial, as extraction often leads to serious environmental and health damage in mining regions.
Quality and Reliability
Despite common misconceptions about the quality of reused equipment, data shows that properly refurbished reused units perform on par with new products. At Inside Systems, each unit undergoes rigorous testing and certification processes, resulting in a failure rate that matches — and often exceeds — that of new products. Additionally, our refurbished IT products come with warranties that mirror or surpass industry standards.
Industry Adoption and Trends
The adoption of refurbished IT is growing rapidly. A 2021 report revealed that over 70% of surveyed companies either already integrated reused IT into their operations or planned to do so within the next year. This shift is driven not only by economic benefits but also by companies’ increased focus on their social and environmental responsibility, particularly important in Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in Europe.
Also read: Understanding the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
Support for Circular Economy
By investing in refurbished IT, companies support the circular economy, which aims to maximize reuse and minimize unnecessary waste. This paradigm shift is not only good for the environment but also for business models, as it can enhance companies’ reputations and customer loyalty. Statistically, consumers and business clients are more likely to choose suppliers who demonstrate environmental responsibility.
Greener and Stronger Corporate Profile
Many of our customers at Inside Systems have experienced significant benefits from integrating reused IT into their infrastructure. For example, a regional healthcare provider could upgrade its entire network infrastructure with refurbished servers and storage solutions for half the cost of new hardware, without compromising performance or reliability. This shift not only cut costs but also aligned with their sustainability goals.
The case for refurbished IT is strong. It offers a practical and strategic approach to managing IT resources, reducing environmental impact, and improving bottom-line performance. As companies continue to seek sustainable solutions, reused IT emerges as a smart choice that supports both economic and environmental goals.
