Half of Irish consumers are buying more second-hand products today than 5 years ago

A new study of consumption trends has revealed a growing awareness among Irish people of the need to adopt more sustainable buying habits with 48% of Ireland’s population now choosing more second-hand products than in the past five years.

The research, which was commissioned by Swappie, Europe’s leading online destination for buying and selling refurbished iPhones, and conducted by market research company, Kantar in March 2023 highlights how consumers in Ireland are increasingly looking for alternative solutions with second-hand products now being considered more than in the past.

The study of a thousand consumers reveals that while affordability is still the main reason consumers choose a second-hand product, sustainability is now the second most common motivator when it comes to decision making. Furthermore, 36% of Irish consumers say a desire to be more sustainable is their primary factor when they choose to buy something second-hand.

Electronic products lead the way when it comes to second-hand purchases in Ireland at 58% followed by furniture at 53% and clothing at 48%.

While there has been a significant shift towards buying refurbished tech, the study shows there is still a large portion of people who do not buy second-hand products and do not understand the area fully. 19% of Irish people admit they don’t know the difference between second-hand and refurbished while 16% said they weren’t sure.

Country Manager for Swappie in Ireland, Casper Andersen says ‘This research shows that sustainability is playing an important role in consumer habits and is already positively impacting a change in several product categories but more needs to be done when it comes to technology. By 2030 we will face nearly 75 million metric tons of e-waste globally, according to the United Nations Global E-waste Monitor report so it is fundamental that we change the way we consume technology today. Second-hand and refurbished products are a better option for the planet and more affordable for consumers. Our mission at Swappie is to make refurbished mainstream’.