Refurbished IT hardware demand surges amid supply chain crises

Supply chain disruptions, including component shortages and rising prices, are driving a strategic shift in IT procurement toward refurbished hardware. Companies are moving away from traditional linear models—buying new equipment every three to four years—in favor of circular economy practices to ensure operational stability.

Circulee, a company specializing in IT circularity, reported a 150 percent year-over-year growth in the first quarter of 2026 and has been increasing its inventory to meet surging demand. CEO Thomas Gros compares this shift to the sudden importance of glass recycling during the 1970s oil crisis.

In the IT reseller market, demand for used hardware is rising. An ITscope survey indicates that 37 percent of resellers report customers actively asking for refurbished products, while 41 percent already offer them. However, industry experts note that further growth depends on overcoming hurdles related to trust and transparency. To compete with new hardware, resellers must provide clear information regarding device condition, battery health, certifications, and robust warranty terms.