Sustainability
Circular economy through rental/leasing instead of buying: CO₂, costs and flexibility in comparison
Circular economy through rental/leasing instead of buying: CO₂, costs and flexibility in comparison
The demands placed on modern companies are constantly changing: flexibility, sustainability and cost-effectiveness are now more important than ever. In the area of technical infrastructure, especially for mobile devices such as smartphones for rent, tablets or notebooks, the question is therefore increasingly being asked: Is it worth renting hardware instead of buying it? Against the backdrop of the political and social objective of promoting the circular economy, this question will become even more relevant in 2025. Companies that rely on rental or leasing models can not only reduce CO₂ emissions, but also optimize their costs and react more quickly to new requirements.
In this article, we highlight the relevant aspects of these strategies, show the differences between renting, leasing and buying and offer decision-making aids for companies, especially in the B2B sector.
Why the circular economy is becoming increasingly important
The circular economy aims to use resources efficiently, minimize waste and keep products and materials in the system for as long as possible. Electronic devices are considered particularly critical in this regard, as their production is resource-intensive, energy-intensive and associated with high CO₂ emissions. According to a recent study by the Global e-waste Monitor, over 60 million tons of electronic waste are generated worldwide every year – and the trend is rising.
A consistent implementation of the circular economy therefore requires new business models that extend the life cycle of devices. This is where the rental of laptops and the leasing of other IT hardware come into play. By being put back into circulation, such models create genuine multiple use and significantly reduce the ecological footprint.
Hardware rental instead of buying – the basic principle
With rental, equipment is used for a fixed period in return for a monthly payment. This contrasts with the classic purchase model, where the company makes the full investment at once, but is also responsible for maintenance, repair and disposal over the entire life cycle. The option of renting tablets is particularly interesting when short-term requirements arise or new projects need to be equipped.
This shift from ownership to use is part of a megatrend – known as “servitization” – in IT and technology infrastructures too. The temporary usage model not only simplifies access to modern technology. It also conserves resources and protects the environment.
CO₂ savings in comparison
According to the Federal Environment Agency, technical devices, especially laptops and smartphones, cause between 70-80% of their CO₂ emissions during production. This means that their carbon footprint decreases the longer the devices remain in circulation. Rental models promote exactly that, for example by renting the Samsung Galaxy S25, which is professionally refurbished and offered again after the rental period.
When companies rent their devices, they are professionally serviced, refurbished and passed on to other customers at the end of the rental period. This avoids electronic waste, reduces the need to buy new equipment and maximizes the ecological benefits of a device.
| Model | CO₂ balance (life cycle) | Influence on the circular economy |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | High – new appliance every 2-3 years | Low – short service life, high disposal rate |
| Leasing | Medium – structured exchange | Good – devices go back to the provider |
| Rental | Low – multiple refurbishment | Very good – maximum useful life, sustainable cycle |
Flexibility for modern companies
Another advantage of rental is the increased adaptability. The pandemic, working from home, mobile teams or short-term additional project teams – the need for end devices is changing faster than ever. A rental model offers many advantages:
- Quick scalability: Devices can be added or canceled at short notice depending on the project situation, for example if you want to quickly rent several iPad Air M3 13 inch for a training course.
- The latest technology available at all times: Short rental periods mean your teams are always equipped with modern devices, such as the latest iPhone 16e for rental.
- Less administrative work: maintenance, support and replacement of defective parts are handled by the landlord
Particularly in growing companies or in project structures, hardware rental is much more efficient than a classic purchase.
Cost comparison: renting vs. buying
The question of costs cannot be answered in general terms, but a realistic analysis over 3-5 years shows clear advantages for rental. While an outright purchase involves high initial costs, the investment is spread evenly over the period of use with the rental model. There are further cost advantages:
- Elimination of repair and replacement costs
- Significantly reduced IT administration
- Limited capital commitment and improved liquidity
What’s more, as many rental contracts include IT services and software updates, the company not only saves money, but also valuable time in day-to-day operations.
Legal certainty and data protection included
An underestimated advantage of rental models lies in IT security. Rental providers guarantee GDPR-compliant handling of sensitive company data through return and certified data erasure (e.g. in accordance with DIN 66399). When purchasing, on the other hand, the company itself is responsible for the secure disposal of devices.
For which industries is hardware rental particularly suitable?
In principle, the advantages apply across all sectors, but there are particular benefits:
- Start-ups and SMEs: Reduce minimum investments and scale with growth
- Educational institutions: Temporary requirements for training courses and projects – tablets are ideal for rental and flexible use.
- Event industry: Short-term use at trade fairs or conferences, for example through the short-term rental of smartphones for events.
- IT service provider: Temporary equipment for remote employees – for example, by renting modern laptops for flexible use.
Hardware rental instead of buying – a contribution to the circular economy
Rental solutions make a decisive contribution to the circular economy, as they not only minimize electronic waste, but also enable new life cycles for products. Rental companies like us ensure that devices are refurbished after being returned, updated with the latest software and put back into circulation – including multiple lifecycle use.
Practical example: 50 smartphones, 100% flexibility
A software company launched a new pilot project for digital time recording in 2023. Instead of buying 50 new smartphones, the team opted for a 6-month rental model with the option to extend – and chose modern smartphones in the rental model. The result: cost savings of over 30%, no storage of unused devices and a smooth process thanks to preconfigured delivery. The project was extended – as was the rental period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How quickly are the devices available?
- In most cases, delivery is possible within 1-3 working days, even with special configurations.
- What happens in the event of a defect or loss?
- Many rental contracts include a replacement service and insurance against damage or loss.
- Are accessories and software also offered?
- Yes, devices can optionally be supplied pre-installed with accessories and software of your choice.
- Are there minimum rental periods?
- Depending on the model or provider, these vary from a few days to several years, and many providers offer flexible terms.
Conclusion: Why renting will be more worthwhile than ever in 2025
Whether sustainability, flexibility or cost optimization – the rental model for mobile hardware offers companies numerous advantages. In combination with a proven partner network, hardware rental makes an active contribution to CO₂ reduction, reduces operational complexity and promotes digital working models.
So if you want to modernize your IT infrastructure or temporarily support projects without having to make long-term investments, now is the ideal time to switch to innovative rental solutions – be it for iPhones, Samsung Galaxy smartphones or iPad Air tablets.
Get started now – request a customized quote from us and take your technology to the next level – flexibly.
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