Latest News - Apple introduces refurbished M4 Macs to its store

Apple introduces refurbished M4 Macs to its store

Apple has officially started offering refurbished MacBook Pro and Mac mini models equipped with M4 series chips through its certified refurbished store. These devices, first unveiled in October 2024, are now available for purchase in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Customers in select European nations, including Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, can also access some of these refurbished MacBook Pro models.

As is typical with Apple’s refurbished products, these Macs come with a price reduction of around 15% compared to their brand-new counterparts. However, availability can vary, and some configurations remain temporarily out of stock in certain regions. Buyers interested in specific models may need to check back frequently as Apple’s refurbished inventory fluctuates regularly. Notably, iMac models featuring the M4 chip have yet to appear in Apple’s refurbished offerings.

Each refurbished Mac is thoroughly inspected and cleaned to meet Apple’s rigorous standards. They come with all standard accessories, such as a USB-C power adapter and MagSafe 3 cable for the MacBook Pro, or a power cord for the Mac mini. These devices are fully covered by a one-year limited warranty and are eligible for extended AppleCare+ coverage, ensuring peace of mind for buyers seeking high-quality products at a discounted price.

GoFa Cobots power Repartly’s efforts to refurbish electronics

German start-up Repartly is leveraging ABB’s GoFa collaborative robots (cobots) to streamline the repair and refurbishment of electronic circuit boards found in household appliances. These advanced robots handle crucial tasks, including sorting, visual inspection, and precise soldering, allowing the company to enhance efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards.

To uphold its commitment to same-day repair services, Repartly sought a solution that would enable fast, consistent, and high-quality electronic repairs while also scaling its operations to accommodate a growing demand.

The integration of GoFa cobots has been instrumental in boosting productivity within Repartly’s sustainable business model. By automating labor-intensive tasks—such as inspecting electronic components, sorting defective parts, and performing precision soldering—the three collaborative robots help the company manage increased repair volumes efficiently. This level of automation supports Repartly’s circular economy approach, ensuring that electronic appliances are repaired and returned to customers swiftly.

Based in Guetersloh, Germany, Repartly specializes in refurbishing printed circuit boards (PCBs) from defective household appliances. “Our journey began with washing machine electronics,” explained Lennart Osthoff, CEO and founder of Repartly. Over time, the company expanded its offerings to include refurbished electronics and mechanical components for various well-known brands, covering appliances such as dryers, dishwashers, ovens, induction cooktops, microwaves, refrigerators, and premium food processors. Repartly’s mission is to reduce electronic waste and promote a circular economy, shifting consumer behavior away from a disposable mindset. “The longer a device remains in use, the lower its environmental impact,” noted Osthoff. “Repairing electronics not only saves costs but also preserves valuable resources and significantly reduces carbon emissions.”

For customers, Repartly provides a hassle-free repair process. After an initial consultation with the company’s experts in Guetersloh, the cause of the appliance failure is identified. If the electronics are faulty, Repartly assists with send-in repair services or connects customers with local technicians. “Once we receive the faulty component, our team repairs it on the same day and returns it fully functional, charging a pre-agreed fixed price,” said Osthoff. In cases where repairs are not feasible, customers are promptly notified via email and offered a refurbished replacement part as an alternative.

By integrating automation with sustainable refurbishment practices, Repartly continues to advance its vision of a waste-conscious, repair-first economy, where electronics are given a second life instead of being discarded.

Fairphone introduces new Brand identity focused on durable and sustainable technology

Fairphone, the sustainable and long-lasting electronics, has unveiled a fresh brand identity alongside an international marketing campaign. This initiative represents a strategic move to expand the company’s reach while staying committed to its founding principles of ethical production and environmental responsibility. The updated identity reinforces Fairphone’s dedication to delivering high-quality user experiences and sustainable innovations that seamlessly fit into modern lifestyles.

In collaboration with the Dutch creative agency Fitzroy, the campaign introduces a new tagline: “Fairphone. The One That Lasts.” Fitzroy’s founder, Marnix Tiggeloven, explained, “The campaign features Mobi, a robot that embodies the growing global issue of electronic waste. Mobi collects discarded electronics wherever possible, highlighting how many smartphones have limited lifespans due to their non-replaceable components. Fairphone, on the other hand, challenges this norm by offering devices with modular, easily replaceable parts like screens and batteries, ensuring extended usability.”

Fairphone’s Head of Brand and Marketing, Alexandra Touzet, emphasized how the refreshed visual identity aligns with the company’s sustainability-first approach. “Our new branding highlights Fairphone’s premium positioning in both sustainable technology and user experience. The contemporary color palette helps the brand stand out in a crowded market, while green accents reinforce our commitment to sustainability. The redesigned logo embodies our brand persona—simple, intelligent, and confident—while also reflecting our forward-thinking vision. The modern aesthetic blends organic shapes for a warm, approachable feel with geometric precision to underscore Fairphone’s focus on quality and innovation.”

Echoing this sentiment, Jan Blaffert, Fairphone’s Brand Lead, reinforced the company’s mission: “At Fairphone, we believe that if you can’t open your device, you don’t truly own it. Our phones are designed for easy maintenance, with parts that can be replaced to significantly extend their lifespan. This new identity and campaign perfectly complement our goal of making durable, sustainable technology accessible to all.”

The campaign is initially launching in the Netherlands and Germany, with plans for further expansion. Marlon von Franquemont-Koster, Creative Director at Fitzroy, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Developing this new brand identity alongside Fairphone has been an exciting journey. However, this is just the beginning—upcoming campaigns will bring this identity to life even further, with more launches planned for later this year.”

Valyuu and SoldMine revolutionise sustainability process

The partnership between Valyuu and SoldMine is reshaping the way consumers and businesses approach technology. By introducing a groundbreaking trade-in payment solution, they are enabling customers to exchange old devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops for immediate cash or credit. This innovative system not only gives obsolete gadgets a second life but also reduces e-waste, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable practices in the tech industry.

This collaboration is transforming the retail experience by embedding circularity into the payment process. Customers can now trade in their used devices directly at EDEKA Smart, Germany’s largest grocery retailer, and use the credit for their purchases. This seamless integration of refurbished tech into the shopping experience encourages consumers to participate in the circular economy while enjoying financial benefits.

The initiative highlights the immense potential of refurbished technology in driving sustainability and business growth. By reselling certified devices, businesses can unlock new revenue streams and strengthen their brand image as eco-conscious leaders. This approach not only appeals to environmentally aware consumers but also fosters long-term customer loyalty by aligning with their values.

Valyuu and SoldMine’s partnership demonstrates how technology can be a powerful tool for sustainability. By simplifying the trade-in process and promoting the reuse of devices, they are setting a new standard for green payments. This model not only benefits the environment but also empowers businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving market where circularity is becoming the norm.

As Stefan van den Berg, CEO of Valyuu mentioned, “Circular commerce is no longer a buzzword for a small group of people—it’s becoming the norm. Being able to trade in second-hand consumer tech products like smartphones, tablets, or laptops will soon be as common as buying them new.”

Benedikt Biedermann, COO of SoldMine also commented on this partnership, stating that “We’re excited to partner with Valyuu and to collaborate with EDEKA on a solution that perfectly aligns with our mission to simplify commerce through circular business models.. Together, we’re making sustainable payments an achievable reality for retailers and organisations with large consumer bases, driving meaningful change for both the environment and the economy.”

Siemens and Capgemini drive circular economy in IT operations

Siemens Corporate IT has partnered with Capgemini to advance sustainable technology practices and promote a circular economy within its data center operations. By focusing on energy efficiency, CO2 emissions tracking, and regulatory compliance, the collaboration aims to minimise environmental impact while ensuring operational excellence. This initiative aligns with Siemens’ broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and maintain its leadership in Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG).

Central to this effort is the integration of streamlined CO2 data collection systems, which provide greater visibility and enable informed decision-making. These tools allow Siemens to identify opportunities for energy optimisation, reduce emissions, and meet both national and European regulatory demands. By improving transparency and efficiency in its IT operations, Siemens is taking significant steps to foster sustainability and support the principles of a circular economy.

The partnership with Capgemini reflects a shared commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. Together, the two companies are delivering tangible results, including enhanced compliance, reduced manual workloads, and ongoing improvements in sustainability practices. Siemens’ proactive approach underscores the importance of integrating technology and sustainability to lead the way toward a greener, more responsible future.

High repair costs fuel global e-waste crisis, report reveals

A recent report from Trojan Electronics highlights how restrictive manufacturer practices—such as limiting access to spare parts and restricting repairs to authorized service providers—are making electronic repairs costly and impractical for many consumers.

The issue is particularly pronounced in the smartphone industry, where expensive repairs and limited part availability often push consumers toward purchasing new devices instead of fixing their existing ones. The study found that 27% of consumers reported their broken electronic items were simply not repairable, underscoring the urgent need for industry-wide reforms.

Despite these obstacles, consumer interest in repairable products remains strong. The report found that 14% of consumers consistently seek repairs for their devices due to environmental concerns. Additionally, an overwhelming 89% of respondents believe that manufacturers should be obligated to allow third-party businesses to repair and refurbish electronic products, rather than restricting services to brand-approved repair centers.

James Rigg, CEO of Trojan Electronics, emphasized the significance of these findings: “This research exposes a critical challenge in the electronics industry. Many consumers want to repair their devices, yet high costs and a lack of accessible repair options leave them with no choice but to dispose of perfectly functional products—exacerbating the UK’s growing e-waste crisis. If manufacturers are serious about sustainability, they must prioritize affordable and accessible repair solutions.”

Rigg also stressed the importance of collaboration across the industry:

“For the circular economy to thrive, all stakeholders must contribute. Consumers are clearly open to change, but they need stronger support from manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers to make long-lasting, repairable electronics the standard rather than the exception. Expanding access to spare parts and increasing repair options could drastically cut down on e-waste, extending product lifespans while benefiting both consumers and the environment.”

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest-growing solid waste stream worldwide, driven by rapid consumption, shorter product lifecycles, and limited repairability. The report’s findings provide valuable insights into how the industry can transition toward more sustainable practices.

Consumers are eager to embrace circular economy initiatives, but systemic changes are necessary to eliminate the financial and logistical barriers that currently hinder widespread repair adoption. By making repair services more accessible, manufacturers and policymakers can help create a more sustainable electronics industry—one where products are designed to last rather than be replaced.

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Join us in Berlin this May 2025 for Retech Days Europe—a groundbreaking event where innovation meets sustainability! Explore the future of refurbished technology, discover best practices, and connect with trailblazers shaping the circular economy. Don’t miss this unique networking platform to revolutionize the 2nd life market in the heart of Europe!