.png){kind=small}
Impact America Originals: The State of Impact I 2025 I Download Now
How BackMarket Took on Tech Consumption and Won.
OCTOBER I 2024
.png)
Back Market, the leading marketplace for verified refurbished tech, is on a mission to transform the way we consume technology. In a world driven by constant upgrades and planned obsolescence, Back Market offers an alternative that’s not just more affordable but also environmentally sustainable. Founded in 2014, the company has become a pioneer in the refurbished tech space, making a tangible impact on reducing e-waste while providing consumers with high-quality devices at a fraction of the price of new ones.
At the heart of Back Market’s mission is a simple yet powerful idea: “We help the world do more with what we already have.” By offering refurbished products that undergo rigorous testing and quality control, Back Market has created a marketplace where consumers can purchase tech that is “better than new.”
Since its inception, Back Market has positioned itself as more than just a marketplace—it’s a movement for sustainability in tech. The company’s Verified Refurbished program ensures that every device meets strict quality standards. All products undergo a 25-point inspection by industry professionals, ensuring that the refurbished devices are in perfect working condition. This commitment to quality has allowed Back Market to build trust with consumers, who can enjoy premium devices with the peace of mind that they are getting great value for money.
“Better, because it has up to 92% less impact on the planet. Better, because it makes great tech affordable for everyone.” The environmental benefits of choosing refurbished tech are staggering. A refurbished smartphone, for instance, uses 92% less raw materials and generates 89% less e-waste than a brand-new device. These figures underscore the role Back Market is playing in combating one of the world’s largest solid-waste streams: e-waste.
Back Market’s Trade-in program is a cornerstone of its circular economy model. Instead of letting old devices gather dust in drawers or end up in landfills, consumers are encouraged to trade them in. These devices are refurbished and resold, extending their life cycle and keeping them out of the waste stream. As the company states, “We believe in making tech affordable for everyone. That’s why the tech on Back Market is up to 70% less than new, with perks like a 30-day return policy and a one-year warranty.”
This model not only benefits consumers but also has a significant environmental impact. Since its founding, Back Market has helped prevent 1.3 million metric tons of CO2 emissions by keeping devices in circulation and out of landfills.
With a B Corp certification and a B Corp score of 93.2, Back Market is one of the few tech companies publicly committed to balancing profit with purpose. The company’s commitment to transparency and sustainability extends beyond its product offerings. As a mission-driven company (also known as a “société à mission” in its home country of France), Back Market is legally obligated to integrate its mission into its business model, continually proving that its efforts go beyond revenue.
“Our mission isn’t just window dressing,” Back Market’s legal status requires it to actively contribute to the common good, which includes partnerships with organizations that are working to address e-waste and the digital divide.
E-waste is the world’s fastest-growing solid waste stream, and it disproportionately affects countries that mine or produce the raw materials for new tech devices. Recognizing the global nature of this problem, Back Market has partnered with the Closing the Loop Foundation (CTL Foundation) to help clean up e-waste in Africa. This partnership, launched in 2021, has created jobs locally, supported safe e-waste recycling, and helped transform the byproducts of the electronics industry into new opportunities for communities affected by the tech supply chain.
The efforts don’t stop at reducing waste. The company is also working to bridge the digital divide—the gap between those who have access to modern technology and those who do not. Through a partnership with Emmaüs Connect, Back Market is providing digital training to underserved communities. Whether it’s the elderly or individuals in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, these programs empower people with the digital skills they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
“Lack of fluency in tech can lead to isolation and economic hardship. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who wants to be a part of the digital world has the skills and access they need.”
In just a decade, Back Market has grown from a disruptive startup to a global leader in the refurbished tech industry. The company now operates in eight global offices, employs more than 650 people, and works with over 2,000 refurbishers worldwide. The rigorous vetting process for refurbishers means that only 1 in 3 applicants is accepted to sell on the platform, ensuring high-quality standards for consumers.
Back Market’s commitment to circularity and sustainability has attracted significant attention—and investment. Since its founding, the company has raised over $1 billion from top investors around the world, fueling its ambition to become the global leader in refurbished technology and circular economy practices.
As a certified B Corp and a leader in the circular economy, Back Market is paving the way for a future where refurbished tech is not just an alternative to new—it’s the better choice. As the company puts it, “We’re just getting started.”
By turning tech consumption on its head, Back Market is proving that a business can thrive while helping to solve one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. And with millions of devices given a second life through its platform, the company is demonstrating that sustainability and innovation can go hand-in-hand.
.png)
.png)