The prominent marketplace for verified refurbished technology, Back Market, has partnered with iFixit, a leader in the global repair community, to tackle the pervasive culture of fast technology and overconsumption. This collaboration aims to promote a sustainable model that prioritises reuse, repair, and refurbishment. By integrating iFixit’s toolkits and instructional resources across Back Market’s platform, and by featuring refurbished technology on iFixit’s channels, the partnership seeks to make sustainable practices more accessible to consumers.

Both organisations are urging consumers to extend the lifespan of their smartphones from an average of 2.5 years to 5 years, while also calling on manufacturers to provide software support for a full decade. For instance, keeping an iPhone 13 for an additional two and a half years, coupled with battery replacement, can reduce its annual carbon emissions by 49%. Extending its life to 10 years through repairs and refurbishment could lead to a staggering 68% reduction in emissions. If these practices are adopted globally, they have the potential to prevent over 21.6 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

Thibaud Hug de Larauze, CEO and Co-Founder of Back Market, emphasised that keeping a smartphone for five years should be standard practice rather than an exception, and there is potential to extend that even further. He highlighted that with proper software support, repair tools, and trade-in options, devices could remain functional for up to a decade. This shift requires manufacturers and telecom providers to move away from encouraging frequent upgrades and instead focus on promoting durable technology. Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, echoed the sentiment, stressing that we cannot continue to dispose of electronics at the current rate.

Back Market and iFixit are also advocating for the Right to Repair, a movement aimed at empowering consumers with the ability to repair their devices. Currently, manufacturers often limit access to essential resources such as manuals and parts, hindering the repair process and contributing to the cycle of overproduction. To combat this, iFixit maintenance kits will now be available on the Back Market platform, enabling consumers to conduct DIY repairs. Furthermore, Back Market’s app will feature diagnostic tools and trade-in services, encouraging users to maintain their devices responsibly. Through these initiatives, both companies are committed to fostering a more sustainable approach to technology consumption.