Green co-ounded The iOutlet 15 years ago as a bedroom start-up, while Hargreaves launched Technology Recycle Group, which was later acquired by ReBuy.
SK TES had previously acquired the assets of the defunct recycler Redeem Group, including Envirofone.
Envirofone was one of the UK’s first large-scale trade-in providers. Its new management aims to re-establish it as a leader in European recommerce.
Matt Green: director of The iOutlet and now Envirofone
“Matt remains a director of both Envirofone and The iOutlet,” said Hargreaves. “The structure allows each brand to pursue distinct strategies with Envirofone focusing on trade-ins, while The iOutlet continues as a resale platform.”
Envirofone currently processes around 40,000 devices annually. The new team is targeting a 30 per cent uplift, with all grading and refurbishment to remain in-house.
Sam Hargreaves: We will pride ourselves on price and service
“We will be promoting our brand, which carries a sense of nostalgia for users. We will pride ourselves on price and service, with every part of the process managed in-house,” Hargreaves said.
The strategy will emphasise direct-to-consumer trade-ins rather than wholesale partnerships. “Staying direct to the consumer allows us to offer maximum value,” Hargreaves added.
A European relaunch is set for the second quarter of 2026, in countries where recommerce adoption is accelerating fastest.
