ABI Research reported today that shipments of recycled mobile phone handsets are thought to exceed 100 million by 2012. The report cites a number of factors including shorter handset replacement periods, environmental regulations, growing consumer awareness, and growing demand for low-cost handsets in emerging markets.
“Mobile phone recycling companies such as ReCellular, Fonebak and Eazyfone are witnessing good market growth, but increasing consumer awareness and retrieving used handsets at affordable prices are still key challenges,” stated ABI Research Industry Analyst Shailendra Pandey. ”
Major manufacturers such as Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG, and Samsung are beginning to concentrate further on designing handsets that do not contain the hazardous elements so dangerous to the environment. In addition, there is new emphasis on creating easily recyclable handsets. Mobile operators, retailers, charities, recycling companies, and various recycling goals have created a new trend towards consumers recycling their old mobile phones.
This new market will generate over $3 billion in revenue in 2012 making it a profitable as well as environmental goal. There is some thought that mobile operators may use these recycled handsets as a means to tap into new markets and manage subscriber acquisition costs.
www.recellular.com
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