A new survey conducted by  Recommerce Group and Kantar, indicates that just over one in five people in France currently use a pre-owned smartphone, a figure that has remained relatively stable. However, the proportion of consumers who have owned a second-hand handset at some point continues to rise, reflecting a broader acceptance of refurbished technology.

The trend is particularly evident among younger users. A significant share of teenagers have experience with previously used devices, often purchased by parents as a cost-effective and practical option. This generational shift suggests that refurbished phones are no longer viewed as a compromise, but as a sensible and sustainable choice.

From a circular economy perspective, stable ownership levels combined with growing lifetime participation point to a maturing market. As awareness increases and refurbishment standards improve, second-hand devices are becoming embedded within mainstream consumer behaviour, helping to extend product lifecycles and reduce electronic waste.