French company e-recycle has reached a major milestone by opening the first automated smartphone refurbishment workshop in France. This innovation represents a shift away from traditionally manual refurbishment methods by streamlining and optimizing every step of the process. The goal: to achieve greater precision, consistency, and speed in restoring smartphones to like-new condition. It’s a bold move aimed at redefining refurbishment standards and building a more robust, sustainable model.

The decision to automate meets several key challenges in the sector. It enables increased production capacity in response to growing market demand. Ultra-precise automated diagnostic tools allow for more accurate and standardized assessments, ensuring each device is evaluated objectively using consistent criteria. This boosts the traceability and reliability of refurbished products, with each device following a clearly defined and monitored process—an essential step toward strengthening trust in the second-hand tech market.

Contrary to common belief, e-recycle’s automation strategy doesn’t eliminate human involvement. Instead, it complements the expertise of technicians, freeing them from repetitive mechanical tasks so they can focus on higher-value interventions like advanced component repairs and final quality checks. This synergy between technology and human craftsmanship is a guarantee of both quality and performance.

E-recycle is also deeply committed to reducing its carbon footprint, a core pillar of its business model. The company maintains a domestic refurbishment circuit, with 97% of devices sourced within France—drastically cutting emissions from transport. Automation helps reinforce this commitment by minimizing waste caused by diagnostic errors and increasing the successful reuse rate of devices, ultimately extending product lifecycles and limiting electronic waste. This breakthrough supports a shift toward more responsible tech consumption.

With this first-of-its-kind facility in France, e-recycle clearly signals its ambition to become the national leader in refurbished electronics and to help structure the market for the long term. By combining technological innovation, industrial performance, and environmental responsibility, the company is positioning itself as a trailblazer ready to meet the growing needs of both consumers and B2B clients. This high-quality approach—already embraced by the public—opens new doors for businesses seeking sustainable and cost-effective IT solutions.