Bechtle Circular IT – Smart, sustainable hardware use.

Short innovation cycles lead to IT products being replaced quicker. Smartphones are often replaced with new devices after one or two years, laptops and tablets every three to four, and servers generally after five years—even if they are still fully functional. This is where Bechtle circular IT comes in. Bechtle takes back decommissioned enterprise hardware like computers, notebooks, servers, tablets and smartphones so that they can be reused, and updating them as required. Customers not only receive the residual value of their outdated technology, but also the security that all their data is deleted in accordance with certified standards.

When purchasing new devices, Bechtle customers have the option to return their current hardware. “We want to do our part to break ingrained cycles and have a real impact,” says Matthias Randelshofer.

Responsible IT.

Sustainability goes far beyond refurbishing devices, and Bechtle Circular IT’s processes complying with the requirements of applicable recycling laws. While the primary goal is to be able to continue using the systems, Bechtle also offers to update devices i.e. refurbished devices are reconfigured with the latest, customer-specific software. This is truly tailored customer service. In the Bechtle Hamburg logistics centre, thousands of devices are checked, wiped, and refurbished every week. In Germany’s first two-storey logistics building, modern technology drives efficiency and software from data erasure specialists Blancco ensures BSI-compliant data wiping. If devices are in good condition, they are then resold, whereas defunct devices have their usable spare parts harvested to be used for repairs and all other components recycled. Secure shredding is the last step of the process along with proper disposal in line with environmental and safety standards.

The market is growing – And awareness is too.

Figures show that the market for refurbished IT is growing every year—currently by 10 per cent. And this is supported by a shift in awareness as a growing number of people can imagine buying a refurbished device. Matthias Randelshofer: “Hardware refurbished and resold by Bechtle Circular IT is good for the environment, as the longer a device can be used, the less electronic waste is created. We are offering companies a sustainable addition to traditional IT procurement.

And what do customers think? A Head of IT at an SME reports: “We used to buy everything new, but since we began working with Bechtle, we are saving money and reducing our carbon footprint, without compromising on performance!” Fundamentally, every device life that can be extended saves valuable resources, which is a great reason to use refurbished hardware.