Thus the regenerated tech saves 2,500 euros in Italian wallets

The research turns the common linear approach on its head, demonstrating that how products are managed within different usage models has the highest overall influence on both direct costs and total emissions. In fact, a phone kept in circulation for a long time generates just a quarter of the costs compared to a product inserted in a disposable system. According to the evidence that has emerged, a consumer can reduce their spending on smartphones by around 25% only by adopting a more conscious approach, taking advantage of the extension of the useful life of the device and the trade-in channels made available by specialized platforms.

To map these dynamics, the research institute analyzed the six-year life cycle of an average smartphone with an initial new value of 575 euros, highlighting the differences between the various usage profiles. Those who adopt a compulsive linear model, replacing their telephone every year, end up spending over 3,800 euros in six years, also considering indirect environmental costs, generating expenditure four times higher than those who choose the path of regeneration. Even typical Italian use, which involves replacing the device after three years and then forgetting it in a drawer, involves costs that are almost 35% higher and double the carbon dioxide emissions compared to the fully circular model.

Large-scale data confirms that the transition towards refurbished products now represents a consolidated reality in the market. In the specific case of the iPhone 15, the remanufactured version on the marketplace was on average 46% cheaper than the new factory equivalent, while guaranteeing an 84% reduction in CO₂ emissions and an 87% reduction in water use. To facilitate transparency and allow users to quantify the exact resource savings achieved by choosing a refurbished device, a special interactive online calculator has also been made available.

The repercussions of this scenario do not only concern private consumers, but also offer important food for thought for the corporate world and company procurement policies. In fact, many companies tend to follow linear and frequent purchasing models, accumulating costs that could be optimized through a more circular approach. The adoption of refurbished devices and the integration of trade-in programs allow commercial activities to obtain a triple advantage, combining lower initial purchase costs, a concrete return on investment and full compliance with modern sustainability parameters.