Reuse, Refurbished | second-hand behaviour on the rise: Vodafone

UK consumers are more conscious than ever about reaching their green goals, with new research released on Earth Day 2024 revealing that 68% of Brits have done more to bolster their eco-friendly efforts over the past two years, with reducing food waste (46%), planting a tree (39%) and walking or cycling for short trips (38%) considered the easiest and more impactful ways to reduce carbon footprint.

However, despite an increase in demand for refurbished mobile devices – illustrated by an 83% increase in sales of Vodafone refurbed devices, general awareness of the eco benefits of buying refurb is low with half of Brits (50%) unaware of the added carbon (and cost) savings that can be made by buying a refurbished phone.

Vodafone wants to encourage the UK to consider a refurbished device when looking to upgrade their phone in 2024, which reduces their carbon footprint but still helps them upgrade their smartphone to the latest Apple and Samsung models including the iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23.

With climate change an immediate threat and daily stories around potential solutions dominating the news agenda, the research also revealed that almost half (49%) of people are overwhelmed by climate change discussions, but would do more to become greener if they knew how (70%).

With 27% of Brits turning to refurbished devices due to the environmental benefits and 42% for cost savings, a third (30%) who wouldn’t consider a refurb phone are most concerned by poor battery life (64%), the longevity of the phone (57%) and having a faulty device (56%).

Vodafone is challenging this with its market leading Lifetime Service Promise offering on Vodafone EVO, meaning every new and refurbished phone comes with Battery Refresh and Lifetime Warranty, so phones last longer with Vodafone, at no extra cost.

What’s more, all refurbished phones are available on Vodafone EVO, the smart way to buy a smartphone. With interest-free (0% APR), 3-36 months phone contracts, flexible upfront costs and upgrades as early as 3 months into the plan. This flexible mobile offering lets customers get smartphones at a price that suits them best.

Vodafone launches UK's only Lifetime Service Promise

Every phone comes with Battery Refresh and Lifetime Warranty at no extra cost, so phones last longer with Vodafone EVO.

Kester Mann, Director, Consumer and Connectivity at CCS Insight, said: “It’s great to see Vodafone accelerate its efforts around refurbished mobile phones. Buying pre-owned rather than brand new can significantly reduce carbon emissions at a time when protecting the planet has never been higher up the agenda.

“CCS Insight’s recent consumer research for the UK shows that the share of people using a refurbished mobile phone as their primary personal device has more than doubled over the past five years to about one-in-ten. And encouragingly for future adoption, more than half expressed interest in taking a refurbished mobile phone next time they change or upgrade.”

A Vodafone spokesperson commented: “Our research and the 83% increase that we’ve seen in our sales of refurb devices shows consumers are seeking out alternative ways to be green and this is being extended to their tech shopping habits. By highlighting the huge environmental impact buying second-hand can make, we hope to encourage more of the country to lean into the benefits of buying a refurbished device.”

Customers interested in buying a refurb device, can pick up the latest devices from Apple and Samsung on Vodafone’s reliable, award-winning network. Devices such as the iPhone 15 from £31 a month (£20 upfront cost) with 8GB data and the​​ Samsung Galaxy S23 from £36.50 a month (£20 upfront cost) with 3GB data.

Vodafone’s refurbished range comes fully tested with a 32-point health check and wiped of all previous data. Devices are more affordable and have a lower carbon footprint than buying a new device. They’re fully sanitised and for complete peace of mind, there’s a 14-day no-quibble return policy too.