ATRenew is a technology platform designed to give electronic devices a second life through large-scale recycling and refurbishment. Founded in 2011, the company has more than 2,000 offline stores in 291 cities across China, providing data-driven systems for smartphones and other electronic devices.
Rethink restructuring processes
The basis of ATRenew’s operations is the C2B2C (“Consumer-to-Business-to-Consumer”) model, which manages the entire cycle from recycling and privacy clearance to resale. Each device is tested, evaluated and put back on the market through standardized, automated processes.
The driving force behind this vertical integration is the company’s automation center in Dongguan, which relies heavily on the use of artificial intelligence and robotics. Traditionally, remanufacturing electronic devices required manual disassembly, analysis, and replacement of parts – processes that are not only time-consuming and costly, but also require a high level of expertise and training of personnel.
At ATRenew, an AI-powered, fully automated inspection line performs most quality checks with remarkable precision and consistency, minimizing errors and reducing the need for manual intervention. This proprietary system is capable of processing up to 100,000 devices daily, with more than 150 million devices processed to date.
Specifically, modules like ATRenew’s “007” units use computer vision and acoustic algorithms to quickly test a device’s cameras, sensors, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other key functions. An advanced X-ray module can even detect hidden repairs or missing parts without the need for disassembly, helping to streamline inspection and reduce reliance on manual labor.
The power of data
By handling tens of thousands of devices daily, ATRenew builds the extensive data sets its systems need to train its AI inspection algorithms. This is no small feat in a market where every used phone arrives with unique quirks and repair needs.
Still, the impact of AI goes beyond speed. The company’s Smart Pricing System analyzes millions of listings and real-time market data to deliver fair, sustainable prices for both recyclers and buyers. Its Smart Supply Chain System uses lifecycle data to decide whether a device is worth overhauling and how best to maximize its value. The result is greater transaction efficiency, less waste and a smoother experience for consumers and partners alike.
Last but not least, devices go through a comprehensive digital sanitization protocol before resale to ensure personal information is safely removed. Every refurbished device comes with an inspection certificate and warranty coverage to increase confidence in the used market.
Together, these tools contribute to a more transparent and efficient used electronics sector and address long-standing issues related to inconsistent quality and consumer trust.
A growing market
ATRenew has come a long way since its inception in 2011. According to founder Chen Xuefeng, the company’s biggest initial challenge wasn’t refurbishment, but convincing consumers to sell their unused devices. To combat this problem, ATRenew launched awareness initiatives such as the REVIVE campaign, which included a collaboration with L’Oréal to encourage users to recycle cosmetic containers as well as recycling centers.
Since its inception, China’s used electronics market has grown significantly, from approximately RMB 79 billion (approximately $11 billion) in 2016 to RMB 309.5 billion (approximately $44 billion) in 2021, with forecasts estimated at nearly RMB 987 billion (approximately $140 billion) by 2026.
The company has been recognized for its environmentally friendly practices by being named a 2025 finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William and David Attenborough as a global environmental award.
“Being named an Earthshot Prize finalist marks the culmination of our 15 years of work to advance a zero-carbon future and reduce the growing flow of e-waste in modern society,” said Chen, commenting on the nomination.
What the future brings
ATRenew continues to expand its recycling network to additional cities and has begun testing self-service recycling kiosks in select international markets such as Japan and Sweden. These pilots explore how AI-based inspection and pricing systems could be adapted for broader global use.
The same AI and data systems that support smartphone recycling could also be applied to laptops, tablets and smart devices, expanding the platform to other categories of e-waste. As automation and recycling technology advances, ATRenew aims to make sustainable consumption more accessible and routine for consumers.
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