Sustainability labels and refurbished certifications explained
Energy Star, EPEAT, TCO Certified, Blue Angel and refurbished programmes each tell you something different. Here is what they actually mean and where they fall short.
Energy Star, EPEAT, TCO Certified, Blue Angel and refurbished programmes each tell you something different. Here is what they actually mean and where they fall short.
Energy-related labels
Energy Star
Energy Star is a voluntary programme run by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Products that meet its requirements use less energy in standby and active modes than typical models. It does not measure repairability, durability or total lifecycle impact.
EU Energy Label
The EU Energy Label rates products from A to G based on energy consumption. It is useful for comparing running costs of appliances, TVs and monitors, but it says little about build quality, repair access or refurbishment.
Durability and IT labels
EPEAT
EPEAT is a global registry for electronics, managed by the Global Electronics Council. It covers criteria such as materials selection, energy use, design for end of life and supply-chain responsibility. Higher ratings include more criteria. EPEAT does not guarantee that a specific refurbished unit was tested against every criterion.
TCO Certified
TCO Certified is an independent label for IT products. It includes social and environmental criteria in factories, as well as user ergonomics and chemical content. It focuses on new products, so a refurbished device may carry the model-level certification without a fresh audit.
Blue Angel
Blue Angel is a German eco-label with strict requirements for durability, repairability and recyclability. It is one of the stronger signals for product design, but availability varies by product category and country.
Refurbished-specific programmes
Apple Certified Refurbished
Apple sells refurbished devices that have been tested, cleaned and repackaged with a new battery and outer shell where needed. They come with a one-year warranty and the option to extend with AppleCare.
Samsung Refurbished
Samsung''s official refurbished programme offers inspected devices with a warranty, though terms and availability differ by region.
Amazon Renewed
Amazon Renewed is a marketplace programme with minimum inspection requirements and a return window. Individual sellers participate, so quality can vary. Check the seller rating and warranty details.
Labels and certificates in the Netherlands
Keurmerk Refurbished
Keurmerk Refurbished was launched in 2019 by Techniek Nederland together with parties in the refurbished chain, as a quality counterweight to the marketing term "refurbished". Participating providers must meet set requirements and are inspected every year. Products carrying the mark are checked on at least 50 points, use standardised condition grades and come with a two-year warranty. The current list of certified providers is published on keurmerk-refurbished.nl.
Thuiswinkel Waarborg
Thuiswinkel Waarborg is a Dutch webshop certificate, not a product label. Certified shops are independently audited on their terms and working methods against Dutch consumer law, and buyers can turn to the disputes committee. Several refurbished shops carry it, but it says nothing about the technical condition of an individual device.
Other webshop marks
Marks such as WebwinkelKeur mainly cover shop practices, terms and verified reviews. Treat them as a signal about the seller, not about how a device was tested or graded.
Dutch legal rights
Legal conformity rules apply to a refurbished purchase from a professional seller too: the product must be what you may reasonably expect given its price, age and description. A commercial warranty of six or twelve months is an addition to that right, not a replacement for it.
What to do with labels
Use labels as one input, not as proof that a refurbished device is always the greenest choice. Combine them with a realistic comparison of price, remaining lifespan, warranty and repair access.
More guidance for your next refurbished purchase.
Is refurbished really more sustainable?
Refurbished can reduce the environmental impact of electronics, but only when the device stays useful, the refurbishment process is transparent and you compare with today's alternatives.
How to make your refurbished device last longer
The most sustainable device is the one you keep in use. Simple habits around charging, cleaning, updates and repairs can add years to a refurbished phone, laptop or tablet.
Why Buy Refurbished?
Refurbished can offer better value and extend a product's useful life, but only when price, condition, support and seller all make sense.