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Transforming B2B Through the Circular Economy: Manutan Group’s Second-Hand Offerings

1 April 2025

The Manutan Group, a leading European B2B e-commerce company, is committed to actively contributing to a more responsible business model. This commitment inevitably involves transforming our operations towards a model that combines performance, sustainability, and ethics. To achieve this ambition, we believe in the potential of the circular economy. That is why we have developed a range of refurbished products for our customers, including businesses and public sector organisations.

A Strong Conviction

Today, the circular economy stands out as a sustainable solution for maximising the value of products, resources, and materials. In this context, the sale of refurbished products is set to grow in the B2B market.

First and foremost, this responds to the current needs of organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint while managing costs effectively. It is also a way to anticipate increasing regulations in this area. For example, France's anti-waste law for a circular economy (AGEC), the EU's eco-design directive, and the Right to Repair initiative all highlight the growing regulatory framework. Added to this is the accelerating depletion of natural resources—an urgent challenge that must be addressed. As a result, used products are set to become valuable assets.

Pierre-Emmanuel Saint-Esprit, Director of Circular Economy at Manutan group, emphasises: "Between 2021 and 2025, the global second-hand e-commerce market in Europe is expected to grow by 60%. In the B2B sector, McKinsey forecasts a market worth €500 billion in Europe by 2030. This is why we firmly believe that reuse represents a significant economic, ecological, and social opportunity."

A Well-Established System

To offer this second-hand range, we rely on a strong network of partners as well as our own Circular Hub. This enables us to cover a wide variety of products, from office furniture to storage and handling equipment, as well as games and toys.

Each product is carefully selected by our teams and undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure it is in perfect working and aesthetic condition. At our Circular Hub, our own experts—who are on professional reintegration pathways—give used office furniture a second life.

A Winning Solution for Our Customers

We offer our customers several ranges of refurbished products that combine quality, durability, and cost savings. These items are on average 30% cheaper than new products while offering similar guarantees. Office furniture even comes with a CO2 impact certificate.

Today, five of our subsidiaries have launched their own dedicated second-hand online shops:

This initiative reflects our ambition—Enterprising for a better World—and aligns with our CSR strategy. Through this approach, we aim to guide our ecosystem towards a circular model, reducing our carbon footprint while supporting professional reintegration.