Clevercel Drives Technological Circularity in Mexico

Latin American e-commerce company Clevercel is promoting a circular model that extends the life of smartphones, tablets, and other devices, aiming to reshape how technology is consumed in Mexico. 

“Beyond selling pre-owned devices, we aim to activate a cultural change among users toward becoming a new type of consumer, one that looks beyond price and considers the impact of their purchase,” says Jorge Palacio, CEO and Co-founder, Clevercel.

Instead of following the “use and throw away” logic that dominates the industry, the company has built a business model based on second-life technology, offering consumers high-quality pre-owned devices while reducing electronic waste.

Over the past five years, Clevercel has sold nearly 100,000 devices in Mexico, achieving annual growth above 100%. This expansion reflects a cultural shift among consumers driven by environmental awareness, the rising costs of new devices, and a growing openness to more responsible consumption.

By focusing on the concept of second-life technology, Clevercel encourages consumers to see smartphones not just as disposable gadgets, but as valuable tools that can be reused without compromising quality or functionality.

To strengthen this model, Clevercel has formed alliances with operators such as Telcel and AT&T, and manufacturers like Apple, leveraging trade-in programs that promote the responsible return and upgrade of devices.

Mexico has become a priority market: the country’s smartphone market exceeds US$6.1 billion in value, with pre-owned devices representing nearly US$800 million, or 13%. While the pre-owned market has reached 35% and 25% in the European Union and the United States. respectively, Mexico is progressively building trust in second-hand technology. To support this transition, Clevercel will invest US$25 million this year to expand accessibility to pre-owned devices in the country.

According to the 2024 Global E-Waste Report (UNICEF), electronic waste reached 62 million t in 2022, an 82% increase since 2010, yet only 15% was properly recycled. In Mexico alone, over 900,000 t of electronic waste are discarded annually.

Extending the life cycle of a device reduces electronic waste by up to 10%. By putting smartphones and other devices back into circulation, Clevercel’s model contributes to lowering environmental impact while making technology more affordable.