REstepIT launched to boost circular economy offer

REstepIT supports businesses to dispose of IT sustainably, using the principles of the circular economy to ensure old and unwanted devices, such as desktop PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones are given a second life.

REstepIT buys in redundant business IT and securely refurbishes the devices for re-use, using best-in-class data erasure methods. These devices are then resold, extending the product life and significantly reducing its environmental footprint.

Over the last five years, global e-waste has increased by 21%, according to the 2020 UN Global E-waste Monitor. Last year, a record 53.6 million metric tonnes of old electronic equipment was generated – the equivalent to throwing away 1,000 laptops every second.

Despite growing awareness of this issue, a recent survey commissioned by 3stepIT found that one-third of businesses in Europe still dump or destroy old IT devices with many IT decision-makers unsure how to dispose of technology responsibly.

Carmen Ene, CEO at 3stepIT, said: “We want to make the circular economy a reality for companies across Europe, by helping them recuperate investment in unused technology and operate more sustainably.

“We know two-thirds of businesses refresh their IT every three to four years. This redundant tech then represents both an opportunity and risk – on one hand it holds residual value which businesses can use to fund their digital transformation, on the other it could spell disaster for environment if these devices end up in landfill.

“Our aim is to give businesses a simple solution to an old problem, one that is better for business and better for the planet.”

Last year, 3stepIT prevented over half a million devices from heading to landfill. With REstepIT, the company aims to make an even bigger contribution to global environmental efforts.

The ‘RE’ in the new brand emphasises this green impact, drawing on the sustainable elements of the process – REfurbish, REuse and REcycle.