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Our approaches to the circular economy

As a digital lifestyle provider, we want to actively shape and accelerate circular economy within the telecommunications industry. That is why we are committed to making it easier for our customers to consume more sustainably and conserve resources in a targeted manner – for instance through refurbished smartphones, equipment made from recycled materials and our repair and purchase service. Customers are informed in-store and online about how devices can remain in circulation for longer and be disposed of properly. This way, we jointly promote the recycling of resources. 

Sustainable products and services for our customers

Sustainability starts with product selection. That's why our portfolio includes more and more environmentally conscious alternatives. Our goal is to continuously align our product range with sustainability criteria and thus promote responsible consumption. 

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Recycled equipment – dbramante1928

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dbramante1928 is a Danish brand of equipment for electronic devices that develops high-quality device protection and energy solutions with a clear focus on sustainability. By using recycled materials and upcycled full-grain leather, their products combine quality, functionality and responsible design. dbramante1928 works with WWF Denmark, is a member of the UN Global Compact, holds an EcoVadis gold medal and has SBTi-approved net-zero targets.
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GREENMNKY – the resource-saving screen protector

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GREENMNKY develops screen protection solutions for smartphones with a focus on sustainability. Since the protective foils are cut to fit the respective device directly in the shop, no individual packaging is required. This saves around 97% of packaging waste compared to conventional screen protectors. The bundled delivery of multiple protective foils reduces shipping costs and thus also leads to lower transport emissions. GREENMNKY was founded in 2019 and is known from the TV show "Die Höhle der Löwen" (The Lion's Den).
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Durable hardware with HMD
 

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Reducing waste is a key goal of circular economy. An effective lever for this is the targeted promotion of hardware repairability. The HMD brand is setting new standards in this area: thanks to its sandwich construction, devices are particularly easy to open and repair – both in technical centres and by customers themselves. This contributes significantly to extending the service life of devices and avoiding waste.

Conserving resources and reducing waste

The responsible use of natural resources is a central task of sustainable business. That is why we are taking action at several points along our value chain to keep raw materials in the cycle for as long as possible, avoid waste and promote recycling. Whether through the return and recycling of old devices, the offering of refurbished products or resource-saving packaging and logistics – together with our partners, we are making a concrete contribution to the circular economy.

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Trade-In of phones – Closing the Loop
 

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Old electronic devices contain many valuable raw materials, the recovery of which makes an important contribution to environmental protection. With our purchase service, we make it possible to return used smartphones – online and in our shops. Our customers receive a fair purchase price as cashback. The personal data on the old devices is securely deleted by our partner DIS-CONNECT in accordance with certified standards. The old devices with reuse value are checked, refurbished and then returned to sale as refurbished devices. Even devices with no purchase value can be sent in free of charge and recycled professionally. DIS-CONNECT ensures that as many raw materials as possible are recovered and processed in an environmentally friendly manner. In this way, we are working together to conserve resources and reduce electronic waste.
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Turning old into new – refurbished iPhones

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Refurbished iPhones are used devices that have been professionally tested, refurbished and resold in perfect working order. Offering these reconditioned Apple products extends the service life of electronic devices, which helps to conserve valuable resources. With tested technology, fair pricing and appropriate warranties, we offer our customers a resource-saving alternative – while also helping to reduce electronic waste.
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Sustainability in logistics
 

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freenet Logistik GmbH is aware of its responsibility with regard to resource conservation and environmentally friendly shipping. To this end, we always use recyclable materials for packaging all shipments in our end customer and POS business. The packaging material used is adapted to the goods being shipped and used in a resource-saving manner. To this end, we work with transport service providers and manufacturers in the shipping sector who pursue sustainable approaches and are already active in the area of avoiding or offsetting GHG emissions.

Extending the product life cycle

Extending the life of technical devices contributes significantly to resource conservation. To maximise the service life of products, we have developed various services and support offerings, including repair services, protection options and information on proper care. The aim is to avoid unnecessary new purchases and thus contribute to the reduction of electronic waste.

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Repair service in our stores
 

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A broken smartphone does not always have to be replaced immediately. Our repair service extends the product life cycle of devices and thus protects the environment. We accept defective devices in around 500 freenet shops – for warranty, insurance or self-pay repairs. Trained employees check the damage and can provide first aid for minor repairs. To offer the best possible service, we work together with our repair partner PRO Repair GmbH. PRO Repair has repair licences from many well-known manufacturers and uses only original spare parts for warranty repairs – high-quality and cost-effective alternatives can also be used on request. Immediate repairs are also possible in selected shops.
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5 tips for sustainable smartphone use

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The manufacture and disposal of smartphones have a negative impact on the environment and resources. This makes it even more important to use technology consciously – from selection and use to passing it on or disposing of it. You can make a concrete contribution to environmental protection with these five measures:
  1. Choosing sustainable products: Buying an environmentally friendly smartphone or accessory is the first step towards conserving resources.
  2. Charging in an energy-efficient way: Avoid overcharging and ideally keep the battery level between 20% and 80%. Smart chargers, cooler charging environments and reduced background activity also help to save power and extend battery life.
  3. Encourage longer use: Using devices for longer reduces electronic waste. Protective covers, screen protectors and the repair of minor damage help to significantly extend the service life.
  4. Upgrades instead of buying a new device: A software update or replacement of the battery or memory card is often enough to continue using a device - without having to buy a new one.
  5. Proper disposal: Old devices contain valuable raw materials. Proper return supports the recovery of these materials, protects the environment and health and ensures the secure deletion of personal data.
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Our value guarantee
 

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When an electrical device breaks, it is often disposed of – even though much of the damage could be avoided or repaired. With device protection from WERTGARANTIE, smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and more can be insured against accidental damage, such as drops, water or technical defects. Theft and cyber protection are also available as options. The process is straightforward and can be completed in around 500 freenet shops. This means that technology stays in use for longer and is not replaced prematurely.

Our other fields of action

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Climate Action
We support the 1.5 degree target of the Paris Climate Agreement and are reducing our GHG emissions in order to contribute to climate protection.
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Customers
We always put the customer at the center of everything we do. We promote digital participation and equal access to the digital world with a wide range of offerings.
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Employees
We promote a sustainable relationship with our employees. That is why we focus on a diverse, equal and dialog-oriented working environment.
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Governance
We act responsibly and based on values along the supply chain and in all our business processes.