Sustainable Smartphones: Renewd® Gives Devices a Second Life

As part of a partnership, Cortado Mobile Solutions offers Renewd® smartphones for rent or purchase. We spoke with Abdoulai Jaiteh, Regional Manager DACH at Renewd®, about the company's philosophy and strategy.

Could you please introduce your company and your corporate philosophy?

Abdoulai Jaiteh: Renewd® wants to give used devices a second life and contribute to a more sustainable future for people and the planet. Our goal is to reduce global e-waste and the ecological footprint by making sustainable choices more affordable. This is achieved through products that undergo the strictest inspections, contain 100% original parts, and include a two-year warranty.

What is special about sustainable smartphones from Renewd®?

Abdoulai Jaiteh: All of us at Renewd® believe that together with our products, our partners, and our way of doing business, we can make a real difference. We are committed to raising consumer awareness and making sustainable choices more affordable through products that undergo the strictest controls, consist of 100% original parts, and include a two-year warranty.

Why don't you use the term "refurbished" for your sustainable smartphones? What is the difference between Renewd® and refurbished?

Abdoulai Jaiteh: We want to differentiate our brand from other refurbished brands because we do not replace parts - with the exception of the battery. Our devices are first tested cosmetically and then checked for functionality. If something doesn't work or isn't original, the device does not pass the rest of the quality control. In the end, the devices lead a new life that is as good as their first life.

Who buys sustainable smartphones?

Abdoulai Jaiteh: We have several official partners throughout Europe who sell our products - operators, distributors, and resellers, including well-known names like Magenta, ENO, Drei, and Alternate.

How much better is a Renewd® device for the environment compared to a conventional new device?

Abdoulai Jaiteh: At Renewd®, we extend the life of used devices and prevent them from ending up prematurely as e-waste, which saves many valuable resources. Several tons of CO2 are not released into the atmosphere, and 100 liters of water are not wasted.

Do you notice a shift in consciousness towards more sustainability, or are the devices purchased simply to save costs?

Abdoulai Jaiteh: The growth of the refurbished market is increasing significantly. This is due to the fact that consumer needs for a functional device from an A-brand, combined with external factors such as inflation, are driving consumers to look for alternatives on the market that meet their needs while allowing them to have a positive impact on the environment.

What exactly do you do with the devices before they are sold under your brand? What tests does a device have to go through? Are hardware parts sometimes replaced?

Abdoulai Jaiteh: Our devices are put through their paces by certified professionals in more than 80 points. First, they undergo a cosmetic check. Then the parts are checked for authenticity. The battery is also tested directly and must show a minimum percentage to be approved. Otherwise, it is replaced by a new original battery.

Which devices are your bestsellers?

Abdoulai Jaiteh: Bestsellers are Renewd® Apple products.

And now a more personal question: What kind of device do you use yourself? And why do you like working with it the most?

Abdoulai Jaiteh: I use a Renewd® iPhone 12. I am very happy with this model because of the design, the size, and the software features of the iOS system. It has minimal signs of use that are almost invisible to the eye. Of course, being part of the positive impact we have on the environment is also a key element to be proud of. Reducing the CO2 footprint is a topic that is truly close to my heart.

Mr. Jaiteh, thank you for the interview!

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