Gartner predicts that by 2030, 80% of hardware vendors’ product portfolios will link to circular initiatives, up from only 20% in 2023. With this shift on the horizon, it is vital to understand the barriers that slow sustainable IT adoption and what companies like Cisco can do to overcome them.
Many people still place all used IT equipment in the same category. They assume it is unreliable and risky because of its second-hand status. This perception is especially strong for mission-critical networking, communications infrastructure, or data storage systems, where downtime can be costly and damaging.
Because of this, cost savings from remanufactured technology are often ignored. Past negative experiences with unreliable second-hand equipment can lead to blanket policies that block anything except new products, which slows sustainable IT adoption.
This misunderstanding becomes a major barrier to progress. The reality is very different. Manufacturers such as HPE and Cisco use remanufactured equipment in critical infrastructure support contracts. When equipment fails, the replacement provided under the service agreement is often remanufactured and trusted.
Our Sustainable IT Group members have supplied remanufactured equipment to the Ministry of Defence, the NHS, universities, and councils. These organisations rely on it because it performs well, is known to be dependable, and often has a lower “dead on arrival” rate than brand-new products.
Traditional product sales models reward volume. In consumer tech, brands like Apple and Microsoft profit from constant demand for the latest products. In enterprise IT, commission structures drive short upgrade cycles and prioritise revenue over sustainability, which can limit sustainable IT adoption.
Remanufactured technology can cost up to 20% less than new. It is also supplied with the same warranties and support because it is rebuilt within the original manufacturer’s circular economy programme.
At Cistor, we extend the life of our customers’ platforms through remanufactured technology. We integrate it into network upgrades and architecture designs. Every time we do, it reduces carbon emissions, conserves resources, and prevents e-waste — all of which support sustainable IT adoption.
Many organisations still do not understand the environmental impact of their IT systems or the benefits of sustainable alternatives. This lack of awareness is one of the biggest hurdles to sustainable IT adoption.
A 2021 Capgemini report found that:
Networking and communications often take a back seat to end-user devices when sustainability is discussed. This slows sustainable IT adoption and leaves untapped opportunities to improve both performance and environmental impact.
With global supply chain challenges, higher costs, tight budgets, and the growing scarcity of natural resources, now is the time to embrace remanufactured technology.
Over the last 14 years, we have helped hundreds of customers make the switch. Companies like Colt have seen that it delivers best-in-class reliability and performance. It is better for the planet, for budgets, and for long-term resilience.
Sustainable IT adoption is not just a trend it is a smarter, more responsible way forward.
