Technological devices are getting more powerful — and certainly more expensive. Smartphones, in particular, are leading the way: high-end models easily exceed a thousand euros, yet they are typically used for just over two years. But a shift is underway, driven by the refurbished market.
CertiDeal is one of the leading French companies in the reconditioned electronics sector. Founded in 2016 with the goal of making technology accessible to everyone, it has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable players in the industry.
“A few years ago, buying a cheaper product was something people felt embarrassed about” explains founder and CEO Laure Cohen. “We’ve seen that mindset change with growing ecological, environmental, social as well as economic awareness.”
CertiDeal is a social and solidarity economy enterprise. One of its standout initiatives is the CertiAcadémie, a training programme for people undergoing career transitions or professional reintegration.
“When they told me, ‘you’re going to repair an iPhone,’ for me that was huge!” recalls trainee Patricia. “But once we got the explanations and learned the right techniques, it was actually very easy. It means a lot to me because we’re giving devices a new life. It’s a path I never thought was within my reach.”
European policies have played a key role in the rise of the refurbished market. Directives promoting the reduction of electronic waste, the right to repair and access to spare parts have helped fuel its growth and the market is projected to surpass €30 billion euros by 2033.