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Swappie reveals Europeans Unaware of €140 Billion Worth of Unused Mobile Phones in their Households

Swappie, Europe’s leading platform for refurbished iPhones, reveals a staggering €140 billion worth of unused mobile phones languishing in European households, underscoring a significant opportunity for economic recovery and environmental sustainability.
Recent data from the European Commission highlights that over 700 million mobile phones are currently unused across the EU. Assigning an estimated average value of €200 per device, this dormant stockpile represents an untapped value of €140 billion.
Each holiday season, millions of new smartphones are purchased, leading to a significant increase in the number of idle devices in households. This annual surge exacerbates the existing issue of tech bloat, underscoring the urgent need to reintegrate these devices into the circular economy.
“Encouraging the circulation of these unused devices is crucial,” says Emma Lehikoinen, Chief Operating Officer at Swappie. “By bringing them back into the market, we not only unlock substantial economic value but also contribute to environmental conservation by reducing electronic waste.”
A KANTAR study undertaken by Swappie indicated that 62% of Irish consumers retain their previous smartphones. Beyond the economic implications, unused mobile phones contain valuable materials, including critical raw materials essential for new technologies. The European Commission reports that the collection rate for mobile phones is under 5%, with an estimated 700 million unused devices stored in households across the EU. Enhancing the return and recycling of these devices is vital for resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Swappie is at the forefront of the refurbished smartphone market, offering consumers high-quality, affordable alternatives to new devices. The company’s rigorous refurbishment process ensures that each iPhone meets stringent quality standards, providing a reliable and sustainable option for tech enthusiasts.
As the number of idle phones continues to rise, especially after the holiday season, Swappie urges consumers to consider the environmental and economic benefits of trading in their unused devices. Reintegrating these smartphones into the market supports the circular economy and helps mitigate the growing issue of electronic waste.
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Ronan Leonard

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Ronan Leonard
1 year ago

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