How BNP Paribas is Tackling Europe’s E-Waste Problem
Electronic waste (better known as e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams around the world today.
The International Telecommunication Union estimates that 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2019, with less than 20% properly recycled.
The rapid turnover of IT equipment — driven by technological advancement and planned obsolescence — only exacerbates this issue.
With that being said, demand for refurbished technology is growing all the time.
"People are going through a kind of crisis in buying power," explains Reynold Simmonet, Co-Founder of Dipli, a French company facilitating the refurbished mobile phone market across Europe.
"They have less money in their bank accounts since COVID-19 and now they're not willing to spend one thousand euros every 24 months on a phone."
In essence, there is a gap in the market for cheap and reliable refurbished technology. BNP Paribas, the French finance giant, is now staking a claim to fill that gap.
BNP Paribas’ plan to mitigate e-waste
BNP Paribas has unveiled a new IT refurbishment located in Buchelay, France, aimed at tackling electronic waste across Europe.
At 3,500 square metres, the new refurbishment and remarketing hub is huge.
When operating at full capacity, the centre is designed to process up to 400,000 IT devices each year, including equipment from the bank's operations and its corporate clients across Europe.
With this project, BNP Paribas hopes to champion circularity and promote sustainable technology management.
BNP Paribas’ history with circular manufacturing
The banking group's venture into circular technology began in 2019 with the formation of a joint venture with 3StepIT, a Nordic company with a focus on closing the loop on tech lifecycles.
At the venture's launch, Jarkko Veijalainen, Chairman of 3 Step IT, explained: "This joint venture enables us to serve our customers across Europe. We wanted a strong partner to help us spread our service concept globally."
The partnership has continued to develop, with the Buchelay facility representing its latest in a series of impressive achievements.
Inside the Buchelay centre
Situated 45 minutes from Paris, the new centre embodies BNP Paribas' dedication to addressing the mounting global e-waste crisis.
By refurbishing and marketing previously used IT hardware — including laptops, desktops, mobile phones, tablets and servers — the bank is aiming to foster a more sustainable technology consumption model across the continent.
Carmen Ene, CEO of BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, is a strong advocate for the principles of a circular economy.
"The investment in this centre underscores BNP Paribas' commitment to advancing the circular economy in Europe, aligning with the European Union's ambitious goals to promote circularity and sustainable resource use," she says.
The facility plans to handle 100,000 devices by late 2025 before expanding to full operational capacity in the coming years.
Refurbish, remarket and recycle
Beyond refurbishment operations, the centre offers an IT Asset Disposition service that allows businesses to trade in decommissioned equipment.
For hardware that cannot be repurposed, the facility will ensure environmentally responsible recycling.
"This is a major step for BNP Paribas, strengthening its commitment to supporting clients in their transition to a more resource-efficient and low-carbon use of their IT assets," says Neil Pein, CEO of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions.
These services are increasingly valuable as organisations seek to reduce costs and environmental impact.
With regulatory frameworks around e-waste and sustainability reporting becoming more stringent, companies face growing pressure to implement greener technology strategies.
Through this new facility and its established circular initiatives, BNP Paribas is positioning itself ahead of competitors in the sustainable technology space.
BNP Paribas’ holistic approach to ESG
The Buchelay centre also advances BNP Paribas' social responsibility agenda through its inclusive employment policy.
The company has committed to providing job opportunities for people with disabilities, individuals in social reintegration programmes, and older adults.
"This centre also upholds a responsible employment policy, which values and supports people with disabilities, those in social reintegration and older adults," explains Neil.
The project represents a comprehensive approach to ESG objectives, fulfilling numerous sustainability criteria.
"This marks a significant milestone for BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, reinforcing our mission to help clients maximise the value of their technology while reducing electronic waste," Carmen says.
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