Lenovo has introduced a new refurbishment service aimed at extending the lifespan of existing devices and reducing electronic waste, as organisations across Europe face rising sustainability pressures and tightening procurement budgets.
Launched on 27 November, the Certified Refurbishment Services programme allows organisations to restore and redeploy their current Lenovo devices rather than replace ageing hardware. The company says the initiative will help reduce premature device retirement, cut waste, and ease procurement demands.
The service is being rolled out in 14 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
Rising urgency around e-waste
Electronic waste is the world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream, according to the UN, with global volumes increasing five times faster than documented recycling capacity. Lenovo’s launch comes as policymakers intensify efforts to push businesses toward more circular models.
The EU’s forthcoming Circular Economy Act, expected in 2025 and due for full implementation in 2026, will drive reforms to reduce waste and promote product longevity. The refurbishment service may also help organisations meet obligations under the EU Green Deal—which targets a 50% emissions reduction by 2030—and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Greg Smith, Lenovo’s executive director and general manager for solutions and services in EMEA, said: “European organisations are looking for practical ways to meet sustainability targets without slowing innovation or increasing costs. As EU mandates require organisations to rethink their technology strategies, Certified Refurbishment Services help reduce IT carbon footprint, optimise resources, and meet sustainable procurement goals while building long-term value and resilience along the way.”
Extending device lifecycles
Lenovo says the service offers a “smarter” approach to device refresh cycles by refurbishing fully functional equipment and redeploying it where needed. Organisations can also upgrade units with additional RAM to improve performance without replacing hardware.
This strategy aims to maximise returns on existing investments, reduce total cost of ownership, and strike a balance between new and refurbished devices. New purchases can be reserved for high-performance needs or emerging technologies such as AI-enabled PCs.
Cutting emissions through reuse
Lenovo’s research suggests that extending a device’s lifespan by 30% can reduce annual emissions by up to 20%. Refurbishment, rather than replacement, could therefore play a growing role in corporate decarbonisation strategies.
James Pennington, the company’s global director of sustainability services, noted: “The European Commission estimates it could save up to 231 million tonnes of CO₂ from heavy industry each year through improved materials management and reduction, reuse and recovery measures. Lenovo’s Certified Refurbishment Services support these goals by reducing waste and increasing sustainability while keeping performance and productivity at their peak.”
Globally, Lenovo reports that around 70% of devices it collects are already reused or refurbished.
