Increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and environmental issues will mean that the second-life market for refurbished and used devices will experience solid growth this year, while continuing global chip shortages in the mobile channel will continue to dampen new product launches and sales.
These were some of the key predictions from 25 mobile sector leaders canvassed by Mobile News for their insight into what lies ahead in 2022.
The right-to-repair directive and global shortage of semi-conductors will focus attention on device refurbishment.
“Sustainability remains a hot issue and phone makers’ green credentials are becoming an increasingly important part of consumers’ purchase decisions”, said CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood.
Bastion Insurance sales director John Fannon added: “The green revolution will continue to drive the use of refurbished devices, a sector that will grow considerably in 2022 and beyond.”
Paul Jacobs, Exertis commercial director of mobility and accessories, continued the theme: “2022 will see the dawn of greener solutions for device recycling and second-life products extending to packaging, cases and accessories.
“Sustainability will become a core part of the buying process with consumers considering aspects such as carbon footprint and recycled packaging.”
Phil Kemish, CEO of Reboxed, reckons, meanwhile, that a third of all devices sold will be refurbished by 2025.
“Given the lack of innovation in new handsets, I predict a continued market deflation in new sales, with a shift coming due to negative public perceptions of new tech and its effects on the environment.
“Our consumption habits are shifting and the rise of the conscious consumer is here.”
